On 29 December, at an open meeting held remotely, Oskars Krišāns defended his doctoral thesis on the topic "Changes in Norway spruce (Picea abies (l.) H. Karst.) wind resistance under the influence of root rot and stem bark damage" and obtained a Doctor of Science degree in agriculture and fisheries, in the field of forest science.

The future forestry importance of Norway spruce has gradually declined in western and central Europe over the last few decades, alongside deteriorating growth conditions caused by climate change. It is predicted that growth conditions suitable for spruce will persist in Europe's northern regions – the boreal and hemiboreal forest zone. However, even in these territories, the negative impact of natural disturbances on future spruce stands cannot be ruled out, and an increase in the frequency and extent of damage caused by wind, pathogens, and dendrophagous insects is already being observed, especially in older stands that are damaged or weakened. Given the high, and therefore significant, role of spruce stands in the economy and carbon sequestration, the cultivation of spruce in Latvia will retain its current importance if forest management practices are adapted to prevent the negative impacts of natural disturbances and mitigate potential consequences.