This paper is one of several requested by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that seek to review and examine the impacts of climate change on genetic resources of organisms that are important for human well-being, and the potential role of these resources in mitigating and adapting to change. This paper, which focuses on forest genetic resources (FGR), does so in the context of trees in natural forests, plantations and agroforestry systems. The paper is structured to match those being prepared by the other sectors and consists of a review of the current state of knowledge, followed by the identification of gaps and priorities for action. A glossary is included to clarify terms