The threats and solutions to urban tree pests and pathogens in a changing climate

ended

TREEPACT investigates the social, environmental, and economic impacts of urban tree pests and pathogens in the context of a changing climate. Disturbances due to tree pests/pathogens are expected to increase in cities, potentially threatening endeavours to increase canopy cover to help adapt to climate change. This novel research programme uses an innovative combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including a systematic review, surveys, stakeholder and policy analyses to assess impacts, risk perceptions, policies, and responses of city professionals involved in urban greenspace and forest planning and management. Although the study’s reach is global, it will use Munich as a case study example. The city has recently been subject to devastating tree pest/pathogen outbreaks, destroying up to 60% of the trees in entire neighbourhoods. The action will have impact in two areas. From a policy perspective, it will produce new understanding of the various policy and management responses to urban tree pests/pathogens around the globe. It will also synthesise existing knowledge on the impacts of tree pests/pathogens. From an academic perspective, it will 1) produce new knowledge about the risk perceptions and responses to tree pests/pathogens of greenspace professionals and advocates in cities, 2) develop a social network analysis method in the context of urban planning, and 3) consolidate and assess existing knowledge in a new context.