Some Problems with the Interpretation of International Assessments of Forest Damage

1990

S. 380-387

1 Abb., 21 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200085927

The relationship between air pollution and forest damage was one of the most active research areas within forestry during the 1980s. The research was stimulated by reports of a widespread and severe decline in forest health. While initial reports were largely anecdotal, later assessments were based on data provided by national and international surveys of forest condition. These data have mostly been accepted without any rigorous examination of their reliability. There is now evidence that many problems exist with the collection, analysis and interpretation of such data. It is clear that the data do not provide evidence of damage to forestry by air pollution. Instead, they provide rather limited evidence of the sum of allthe fators that affect forest condition. The surveys have failed to identify any consistent relationship between air pollution and forest condition, throwing into question the widely held view that air pollution is the most important factor determining the health of forests.