Ample scientific evidences have shown that the human-induced increase in greenhouse gases has caused an increase in the global temperature during the last century. If the present trend of greenhouse gas emissions is to continue like this, the consequent predicted increase of global temperature by the end of this century can be giving catastrophic changes to the earth and its biosphere.

Several global assessments (IPCC 2007, GEO 2007) have shown that the predicted climate change is likely to impact the forest ecosystems significantly. Regional Climate Model of the Hadley Centre using different scenarios and the BIOME4 vegetation response model conclude that under the climate projection for the year 2085, 68-77 per cent of the forested areas in India are likely to experience shift in forest types. It will be important to be aware of the consequent changes predicted for the forest types in the tropical India, including Western Ghats, which include much of the forest areas of Kerala. This may include the biodiversity profiles of the forests, ecological services, productivity and resultant resilience towards the climatic variations. Increased Carbon dioxide and warming of the atmosphere could also result in variable functional response in the biomes such as increased primary productivity of the forests in the initial phase. With some of these major changes to the forest ecosystem, the biodiversity profiles could be under threat, that is, there could be a major shift in the profiles of flora and fauna of the forests. With interlinked stakes of forests and livelihoods; forest products, their utilization and carbon dynamics of forests could become major determinants of response to climate change. Though the patterns of events of climate change are yet to be fully understood, it is expected that with the available information, the present state of management of the natural resources is analysed and the actions related to sustainable development are prioritised in context of climate change. Thus, climate change considerations need to be integrated in forestry sector long-term planning process. This National workshop is planned with the aim of holding active discussion on the various aspects of climate change relevant for factoring in the sustainable development and management planning for natural resources. The deliberations among the scientists, planners, forest managers and other stakeholders are expected to evolve comprehensive recommendations for implementation in the forestry sector of the State.