What does the climate crisis mean for forest work science? Urgent call for reviewing of research priorities

Siegfried Lewark and Marion Karmann

Forest Policy and Economics, 2025, vol. 177, issue C

Abstract: Inclement weather conditions are threatening human health and life in many parts of the world. In particular heat and cold are dangerous working conditions for outdoor work and thus objects of forest work science. Corresponding research has been done, but to a limited extent. An exacerbation of the weather-related threats has been observed, as part of the climate crisis. What does this mean for activities of forest work science? Forest work science has an obligation of support of forestry practice and help improve adequate interventions. A forest work scientist has to deal with this question, like a scientist in any other field of science, and to act accordingly. This touches his or her self-understanding. A survey of related publications shows that there is general knowledge. But there is not much research directed to the impact of climate crisis on working conditions in forest work, while studies are published for work outside forestry. There is a need for applied research that must also consider implementation of available knowledge, e.g. by certification. Integrating the findings of surrounding fields of science, from occupational medicine to rural sociology, is called for. In general, research priorities of forest work science must be reviewed and adapted.

Keywords: Forest work science; Climate crisis; Outdoor work; Working conditions; Heat (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:forpol:v:177:y:2025:i:c:s1389934125001078

DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103528

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