Research project Forest management needs to be adapted to a changing climate. Adapting forestry can involve, for example, close-to-nature forestry or the use of biotechnology that improves plant material to better withstand damage associated with climate change. Since changes in forest management can contribute to polarization, there is a need to understand the underlying drivers for acceptance of climate-adapted forest management.
The project aims to investigate the social underpinnings for acceptance of climate-adapted forest management in Sweden. The foundation of acceptance is examined in different social groups in the general public and among private forest owners. Results can be used to outline social polarization of forest management and to identify management approaches for which there is support from diverse groups, thereby highlighting social considerations during a time when management is transitioning.
Forest management needs to be adapted to a changing climate. Adaptation may involve focusing more on conservation, employing close-to-nature forestry, using biotechnology to improve plant material more resistant to climate threats, or utilizing intensive forestry practices. Since changes in management may evoke polarizing views among people and lead to conflicts, there is a need to understand, not only the acceptance of climate-adapted forestry, but also the underlying drivers of acceptance. The aim of this project is to examine the social underpinnings for acceptance of climate-adapted forest management in diverse social groups in Sweden.
The project draws on theory and research on social identity and other collective processes such as social norms and goals to examine the foundation of acceptance. Acceptance can be seen on a continuum from active resistance to pro-active support with for example passive opposition and indifference as positions in between. Within the project these diverse dimensions of acceptance are examined in different social groups in the general public and among private forest owners, owning almost half of the productive forest in Sweden. The project combines large surveys with experimental methods to enable generalization and a better understanding of social psychological mechanisms important for acceptance.
The project has its basis in people – environment research and integrate current insights on climate adapted management. Results can be used to outline social polarization of forest management and to identify management approaches for which there is support from diverse groups. This enables increased social consideration during a time when management is transitioning.
The project is one of the awarded grants from Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation to social science projects with relevance to the forest linked to Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (WIFORCE).
