Project in brief
As part of commitments to reach Net-Zero, the UK government plans to plant up to 30,000 hectares of trees over 25 years; vast areas identified are grasslands. However, through increasing research focus, grasslands are now commonly seen as crucial to mitigate climate change due to carbon storage capacity. Although tree planting can increase carbon uptake by increasing above ground biomass, grassland afforestation could have positive or negative impacts for climate change mitigation depending on factors including type of soil, grassland, and management.
The aim of this project is to evaluate, and improve, multi-stage decision making regarding afforestation of grasslands in the UK and beyond. This will be done through novel application of approaches to site assessment, remote sensing, and social science, to better leverage for grassland’s role in carbon sequestration, ensuring sustainability, and avoiding collateral damage to cultural and carbon value.
This desk and regional field-based project provides clarity on grassland physical, environmental, and cultural site sensitivities to mitigate impacts of climate change, and novel insight into roles of new treescapes and remaining grasslands in delivering sustainable futures and healthy living.
Key Facts
Location Moulsecoomb campus, 香港最快开奖现场直播资料
Research centre Centre for Earth Observation Science
Project themes Climate Change, Carbon Sequestration, Grasslands, Afforestation, Natural Capital, Cultural Value, Remote Sensing
Deadline Thursday 29 February 2024 at 16.00 GMT
Interviews March 2024