metsäkato

Metsäkato is a Finnish term that describes forest loss or disappearance. In a broad sense it covers both the outright reduction of forest area (deforestation or land-use change) and the deterioration of forest health that lowers canopy cover, biomass, or the ecological value of a forest. The concept is used in forest policy, ecology, and climate discussions to describe changes that reduce the ecosystem services provided by forests.

The causes of metsäkato are diverse and often interact. Climate change increases drought stress, heat, and extreme weather, heightening tree mortality. Pests and diseases, such as bark beetles, can cause rapid and widespread damage in stressed forests. Wildfires, storms, and other natural disturbances also contribute, while human activities such as land-use change, infrastructure development, and unsustainable harvesting can accelerate forest decline or conversion to non-forest land. Distinguishing deforestation from degradation is important in assessing drivers and policy responses.

Measurement and monitoring rely on remote sensing, field inventories, and forest surveillance programs. Key indicators include changes in forest cover, net forest area change, tree mortality rates, and variations in biomass or carbon stock. Global and national datasets, such as satellite-based land-cover analyses, help track trends over time and support risk assessments and reporting.

Impacts of metsäkato are wide-ranging, affecting biodiversity, soil and water regulation, carbon cycling, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on forests. Responses emphasize sustainable forest management, restoration, pest and fire risk mitigation, and policies that balance conservation with economic use of forest resources. In Nordic and other temperate regions, metsäkato trends are closely watched as indicators of climate resilience and forest health.