Changing Approaches to the Future in Swedish Forestry, 1850-2010

Abstract

This article explores the changing construction of the future in Swedish forestry since 1850. The framework is based on three concepts: (1) knowability, addressing changing views of knowledge; (2) governability, addressing changing views of the ability to steer the future; and (3) temporality, referring to varying ways of relating to time. The results reveal that until the 1980s, trust in science-based forestry triggered other knowledge-based activities, such as education, surveys, and field trials. The future was seen as predictable and forecasts were expected to support increased forest production. In the 1970s, the environmental debate about the forest incorporated a pluralistic futures agenda. High-production forestry using intensive management methods was questioned. Futures studies shifted focus from predictions to scenarios, highlighting a less predictable future open to human agency. Paradoxically, with increased knowledge of forest ecology and forest markets with improved modeling techniques, the future horizon shifted to one of risks and uncertainties.

Keywords

constructions of the future; forestry; future; history; sustainability; Sweden

Published in

Nature and Culture
2016, Volume: 11, number: 1, pages: 1-21
Publisher: BERGHAHN JOURNALS

SLU Authors

• Westholm, Erik

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Future Forests


UKÄ Subject classification

Human Geography


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3167/nc.2016.110101

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/83034