Unfortunately, we missed the chance for a better scenario several years ago.
But hey – have a consolation prize.
A little chocolate to sweeten your naivety?
Take a look at a more realistic level.
Oh – you still believe in a perfect world?
Did you really think there was a better scenario?
You dreamer, you.
Unfortunately, we can’t turn back time.
The past is gone for good.
Can’t handle reality?
It’s okay – we’ve got something to help you.
'Rock-solid' is a deceptive term – at least when it comes to the Swiss mountains.
The fact that they do not crumble beneath our feet (and roads and settlements) is due in part to protection forests. They stabilise slopes against erosion and protect the areas below from rockfall and avalanches.
Climate change is taking its toll on these forests, however. This is also true for spruce-dominated mountain forests, which account for more than half of Alpine forest area. They are increasingly suffering from heat and drought stress and are becoming more vulnerable to large-scale disturbances caused by wind, snow, and bark beetles.
Regeneration with climate-adapted tree species is often difficult, particularly when pests and browsing pressure from chamois and deer are added to the mix.
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Regeneration in protection forests is becoming more difficult as species composition shifts. back to Biodiversity
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Where the protective function of forests is impaired, the risk of rockfall, landslides, and avalanches increases. continue to Gravitational Natural Hazards
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Infrequent, small-scale forest fires can create new habitats that are colonised by light-demanding species. In this way, they can contribute to the regeneration of protection forests. back to Forest Fires
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The management of protection forests is becoming increasingly demanding, and more interventions are required. back to Tree Vitality
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The spruce trees preferred by bark beetles are a key component of protection forests. back to Bark Beetle
Tree mortality is increasing due to prolonged drought and heat. Particularly affected are former dominant species such as beech and shallow-rooted spruce.
Since the late 19th century, Switzerland’s forest area has expanded considerably. In many regions, fast-growing spruce was planted to maximise forestry yields. Such forests are often structurally uniform, and susceptible to bark beetles and other disturbances.
Pressure for unplanned salvage logging is increasing – and with it, the need for rigorous prioritisation: where should deadwood be harvested, and where should investments be made in the protective functions of tomorrow?
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Regeneration of tree species in protection forests becomes more difficult as species composition changes substantially. back to Biodiversity
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If protection forests become sparse or are disturbed over a large area, avalanches, rockfalls, and landslides can occur in places that were previously unaffected. continue to Gravitational Natural Hazards
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Frequent fires weaken the protective function of mountain forests against rockfall and avalanches. Soils can become sealed and eroded, and may require artificial stabilisation. back to Forest Fires
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Protection forest management is under enormous time and resource pressure to keep pace with change. back to Tree Vitality
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The spread of bark beetles reduces the effectiveness of spruce trees in protection forests. back to Bark Beetle
Large-scale disturbance events are occurring – ones that were previously hard to imagine. Spruce-dominated protection forests are particularly affected.
Disturbances can trigger unexpected chain reactions. If windthrow destroys a forest and the soil erodes, a heavy rainfall event may trigger a debris flow – and then all bets are off!
In exposed locations where forests provide direct protection, this function can be severely impaired by disturbance. Extensive safety measures and replanting become necessary. This work is complex and, in some areas, extremely challenging. Careful prioritisation is essential.
The significant increase in disturbances also presents opportunities, such as promoting climate-resilient species and adapting protection forests to future conditions at an earlier stage.
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Regeneration of tree species in protection forests becomes hugely difficult as species composition shifts dramatically. back to Biodiversity
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Some transport routes and settlements in the Alpine region are less protected against gravitational natural hazards due to new gaps in protection forests. continue to Gravitational Natural Hazards
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Forest fires create extensive gaps that drastically reduce protective function. Without stabilisation measures, settlements need to be evacuated or roads and railways closed. back to Forest Fires
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Large-scale tree mortality requires extensive engineering structures to stabilise slopes. back to Tree Vitality
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Large-scale spruce dieback severely compromises protection forests. back to Bark Beetle
That's it. RIP.
That's a bit too much.
Maybe go down a level?
Got it – you're really into extremes.
Game over.
Try a different level.
That extreme? You’ll find the matching soundtrack here.
We’re done with this planet.
On to the next!
Solutionsfor: Loss of Protection Forests
The WSL Extremes Program's MountEx project is currently developing a web tool to help set priorities in protection forest management – both to prepare for extreme disturbances and to respond in their aftermath.
Proactive forest management can prepare for future developments and climate events by prioritising diversity and (future) climate resilience in replanting, particularly where uniform spruce forests dominate.
Where browsing pressure from wildlife threatens young trees, populations must be regulated through hunting.
Reactive measures following disturbance events must be well prepared and carefully targeted to areas where they contribute most effectively to risk reduction and do not create new risks (for example, to forest workers).