Issue Imported pests degrading forests and carbon storage

Summary

The report suggests that shifting climate patterns could give imported plant pests room to flourish in the UK. That could change the condition of forests, reduce biodiversity and weaken the capacity of stressed woodland to store carbon. The report links this risk to biodiversity loss, since pests that kill native plants also affect the species that depend on them. It also observes that some key forestry species are becoming more sensitive to air pollution. In addition, it explains that tree death lowers flood resilience, tying the issue to acute risks such as coastal, river and surface water flooding. The report judges that preventing pests would help improve food security and conserve biodiversity.