Articles and Projects
MO3NTANE - The threat of ozone pollution and climate change to tropical montane forests.
This project examines the impact of ozone and drought events on montane Ecuadorian tree species, which may be under threat from climate change and tropospheric ozone pollution. To the best of our knowledge, no previous research has tested these species for ozone sensitivity, despite the fact that ozone levels increase with elevation, thus increasing the likelihood of Andean species being exposed to phytotoxic levels (Chevalier et al., 2007). Furthermore, increasing frequency of forest fires, climate change, and land use changes are predicted to increase ozone precursor chemicals in the region (Brown et al., 2022). Considering the complex interaction between ozone and heat and drought events, this research project seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap.
BROWN, F., FOLBERTH, G. A., SITCH, S., BAUER, S., BAUTERS, M., BOECKX, P., CHEESMAN, A. W., DEUSHI, M., DOS SANTOS, I., GALY-LACAUX, C., HAYWOOD, J., KEEBLE, J., MERCADO, L. M., O'CONNOR, F. M., OSHIMA, N., TSIGARIDIS, K. & VERBEECK, H. 2022. The ozone-climate penalty over South America and Africa by 2100. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 22, 12331-12352
CHEVALIER, A., GHEUSI, F., DELMAS, R., ORDÓÑEZ, C., SARRAT, C., ZBINDEN, R., THOURET, V., ATHIER, G. & COUSIN, J. M. 2007. Influence of altitude on ozone levels and variability in the lower troposphere:: a ground-based study for western Europe over the period 2001-2004. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 7, 4311-4326.
Forest Restoration in the Face of Multiple Stressors – PhD Introduction
Welcome to my PhD project, "Forest Restoration in the Face of Multiple Stressors." This research explores the complexities of forest restoration amid various environmental challenges. The UK aims to plant 30,000 hectares of trees annually by 2035 to address biodiversity loss, increase carbon storage, and achieve Net Zero targets. However, the success of these efforts is influenced by multiple stressors, including drought, land degradation, and notably, surface-level ozone. Despite its significant impact, ozone-induced declines in net primary productivity are often overlooked, potentially jeopardising restoration goals.
This project investigates how ozone, combined with other stressors, affects forest restoration trajectories in both the UK and abroad. By examining the relationships among functional traits, ecophysiology and ecological processes in the forest, we aim to understand how different stressors influence community assembly. The findings will inform tree-planting strategies and efforts, ensuring resilient restoration pathways in the face of environmental challenges.
I invite you to take a look at the animation I developed with the North Walean based studio, The GAS, to introduce the PhD and initial 2 research chapters…
Restoring for the Future - PhD Animation
References:
1. UK Government (2021) ‘ The England trees action plan 2021-2024’: England Trees Action Plan 2021 to 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
2. PERRING, M. P., BULLOCK, J. M., ALISON, J., HOLDER, A. J. & HAYES, F. 2022. Out of sight, Out of mind - but not Out of scope: the need to consider ozone (O-3) in restoration science, policy, and practice. Restoration Ecology, 30.
