Policy makers stated repeatedly a need for more complete scientific information on the ecological, social and economic impacts of climate change on forests and people to support management and policy decisions. Accordingly, adaptation of forests to climate change became the subject of the first scientific assessment of the GFEP initiative. An Expert Panel on Adaptation of Forests to Climate Change was formed in late 2007 to carry out an assessment report. Their voluntary collaboration resulted in a most comprehensive assessment regarding i) the interrelations among forest ecosystems, the services they provide, and climate change, ii) the past and future impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and the people that depend on these ecosystems, and iii) management and policy options for adaptation.

The assessment report was published in 2009 and formally presented at the 8th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) taking place 20 April - 1 May 2009 at the UN Headquarters in New York City.