Canadian forestry professionals’ perceptions of forest management and climate change

Abstract

Gauging the perception of current and future professionals in the Canadian forestry sector is crucial to understanding how forests are managed in the thought of climate change. The aim of the study was to quantify how the perceptions of forest management and climate change differ between professional statuses. In addition, the study aims to determine professionals’ attitudes towards climate change and whether current forestry practices are adequate to adapt and mitigate climate change. To achieve these objectives an online survey was sent out to forestry professionals across Canada, including first and fourth-year forestry students as well as more experienced foresters. In total, 109 completed surveys were submitted. Using the Mann-Whitney test it was determined that there was no significant difference in the perceptions between the different levels of forestry professionals. The responses were amalgamated to further analyze the responses. Climate change was perceived as real with impacts expecting to increase in the near future, not ample time to act. Clearcutting and continuous both perceived acceptable forest management techniques in the face of climate change. Current forestry practices perceived as not being sufficient to combat climate change, however main barriers to adapting and mitigating such cost, political motivation, and knowledge barriers were highlighted. Despite interest in adapting to and mitigating climate change, the unpredictability of the effects of climate change will hinder the abilities of forest managers. Since there is a willingness from foresters to implement climate change strategies, it is recommended that future research focus on identifying and breaking down the barriers to adaptation and mitigation.