The Forestry Commission has launched a new science and innovation strategy to cover the period up to 2013.
It will replace the existing strategy published in 2005 and says climate change, energy security and eco-system health and resilience have since become major drivers.
Government chief scientific advisor John Beddington said he was "excited and encouraged by the key messages" contained in the strategy.
Forestry ministers in England, Scotland and Wales have endorsed the new strategy and welcomed its commitments.
"Never before has forestry had the opportunity to make such a significant contribution to government priorities in England, Scotland and Wales, whether it be securing a healthy natural environment and dealing with environmental risks, or promoting a sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient economy," said Commission head of specialist advisors Roger Coppock.
"The strategy acknowledges forestry's key role not only in mitigating climate change, but also in helping our environment to adapt to it. It recognises the need for greater research effort to address the increased risks to Britain's trees from pests and diseases as a result of changes in the climate and the globalisation of trade. It also seeks to ensure that the supply of raw material from British forests for conversion to carbon-sequestering products or carbon-lean fuels is fit for purpose."
