Europe’s forests, though still standing, are increasingly struggling to bounce back from the impacts of climate change, according to a new report from eLTER, a European research network focused on long-term studies of ecosystems. Over the past 30 years, the frequency and severity of forest damage from droughts, storms, wildfires, and insect infestations have more than doubled. These climate-related disruptions are costing billions of euros annually, and when multiple stressors—like drought followed by fire—occur together, the damage and recovery challenges grow even greater. The report, titled Forests at Risk: Measuring and Building Resilience Against Extreme Climate Events, emphasizes that resilience—defined as a forest’s ability to maintain its functions, regenerate, and adapt to changing conditions—should be a central goal of European forest management. Recent summers, such as 2026, have shown the urgency, with extreme heat and drought stressing forests across the continent. By late August, wildfires had already burned over 630,000 hectares (1.6 million acres) in the EU, nearly double the average for this time of year over the past two decades. Current methods of monitoring forests focus mainly on area and biomass, but these metrics do not reveal whether forests can withstand shocks or recover afterward. The report suggests that resilience should be measured using a broader set of indicators, such as a forest’s ability to regenerate, its biodiversity, and its capacity to adapt to climate change. Satellite data can detect early signs of stress, like reduced photosynthesis, which may signal a forest nearing a tipping point. However, traditional assessments often overlook the growing frequency of compound events—when multiple disturbances hit at once. To improve resilience, the report recommends strategies like using climate-smart forestry, increasing biodiversity, and restoring natural hydrological functions. It also calls for the development of long-term monitoring systems that can track changes over decades, not just after disasters occur. In regions like Tuscany and Lombardy, models are already being used to guide fire prevention based on climate projections and vegetation patterns. The report highlights the importance of long-term research networks like eLTER, which track tree growth, soil moisture, and carbon storage across Europe. These studies help identify effective management practices and ensure that interventions truly enhance a forest’s ability to withstand and recover from extreme events. As Giorgio Vacchiano of the University of Milan notes, long-term data are essential for turning the concept of resilience into a measurable and actionable goal. The choice ahead is clear: either continue reacting to climate shocks as they happen or build the capacity to anticipate and adapt to them.