Europe's forests are already experiencing the effects of a warming climate. More severe droughts, heatwaves and changing wildfire regimes are reshaping how trees grow, regenerate and survive. But are European forests really at risk of disappearing? And what can science tell us about their future? Drawing on field observations, long-term datasets and forest modelling, this lecture will explore why some forests are more vulnerable than others, how climate change interacts with forest structure and management, and what we can realistically do to help forests adapt. From encouraging diverse, resilient stands to managing fire risk, we will examine both the possibilities and the limitations of forest management in an uncertain future.
Key Takeaway: Attendees will gain insight into how climate change affects the resilience and survival of Europe’s forests, exploring the role of droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and forest management in shaping their future.
Date: Tuesday, 15 December 2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 CET
Format: Online Lecture + Live Q&A
Audience: Free and open to everyone (students, researchers, professionals, and general public)
Register here
Register by 14 December!
Please keep in mind that the link to the Zoom platform, you’ll receive one day before the online lecture.
Giorgio Vacchiano is Associate Professor of Forest Management and Planning at the University of Milan, Italy, where he leads the Forest Lab. His research focuses on how forests respond to climate change, including drought, wildfires and other disturbances, and on how sustainable forest management can support climate adaptation, biodiversity and carbon storage. He is also an active science communicator and the author of popular-science books about forests.