Is there a generational shift in preferences for forest carbon sequestration vs. preservation of agricultural landscapes?

Abstract Afforestation and reforestation are considered important measures for climate change mitigation. Because the land area available tree planting may serve multiple purposes, striking right balance between goals other objectives is crucial. We conducted a survey of Norwegian population to investigate potential land-use conflicts that arise from executing large-scale afforestation programme. Respondents were presented with three alternatives replace formerly grazed agricultural land. used manipulated landscape photos elicit their underlying value orientations. combined correspondence analysis latent class regression models reveal preference heterogeneity. Our grouped respondents into classes, 24%, 24% 52%, respectively, expressing forest carbon sequestration, recreation or agriculture as most crucial function be retained. Birth year emerged strong predictor membership. Specifically, generations born before 1970 more inclined support continuation landscapes, while those in 1980 later showed stronger inclination towards natural succession sequestration recreational purposes. Quantitatively, every 10-year reduction age increased odds respondent belonging forestation (relative class) by factor 2. Interestingly, even among who classified concerned, forests 50% likely preferred over monoculture spruce plantation policy option. This suggests there public resistance mitigation purposes Norway.