Future Forests – How Can We Make Forests Fit for the Future?
Our forests are being damaged by climate change and species loss. The Cluster of Excellence Future Forests at the University of Freiburg will investigate strategies for confronting these threats.
New Research Project
TreeStability: Does Tree Diversity Protect Forests Against Climate Extremes?
The Chair of Silviculture has secured DFG funding for a new research project investigating whether increasing tree diversity can stabilise forest ecosystems in the face of climate change. Led by Dr. Florian Schnabel, the three-year project “TreeStability” draws on data from 25 tree diversity experiments across the globe.
New Study
Urban forests: Essential Infrastructure for Climate-Resilient, Healthy, and Equitable Cities
An open letter urges global policymakers at COP30 to recognize and invest in urban forests as vital green infrastructure for climate adaption, biodiversity, and human wellbeing.
Mixing tree species does not always make forests more drought-resilient
A new international study led by the University of Freiburg shows that long droughts can reverse the benefits of tree diversity for tree vitality.
Years of drought turn pine forest into source of CO₂
A new study conducted at the University of Freiburg shows that recurring years of heat and drought since 2018 have caused long-term damage to a pine forest in southwestern Germany. Over 60 percent of the pine trees have died, and deciduous trees are taking root, but it is insufficient to reclaim climate balance. The ecosystem now releases more CO₂ than it sequesters.
