The paper describes five mega-trends affecting forests and forest communities. These trends are poorly understood, but likely to have major consequences for forests and forest livelihoods over the coming decade. The five trends are: 1) Forest mega-disturbances, 2) Changing rural demographics, 3) The rise of the middle-class in low-and middle-income countries, 4) Increased availability, access and use of digital technologies, and 5) Large-scale infrastructure development.