EPS Seminar Series: Dr Sara Knox

Dr Sara Knox

Department of Geography, McGill 

Friday, March 15 

11: 00 am

FDA 232  (in person) and Zoom:

https://mcgill.zoom.us/j/85639557142?pwd=ZVF1VmxnWVhjV2EvNzlGWmI0VDE3UT09

Wetlands in a changing world: Processes, feedbacks and the climate benefits of wetlands

Abstract: Among the numerous ecosystem services provided by wetlands climate regulation is identified as one of their most important benefits to society. Wetland ecosystems play an important role in the global carbon cycle; they provide the ideal environment for long-term storage of atmospheric CO2, yet they are also the largest single source of methane. Climate change could increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wetlands, however, the consequences of rising temperatures on wetland GHG exchange remain uncertain. Furthermore, preventing further wetland loss and restoring wetland ecosystems has been identified as important in limiting future emissions to help meet climate goals. This talk presents research that combines field-based measurements, remote sensing, and modelling to provide new insights into the controls of wetland GHG fluxes across a range of spatial and temporal scales and quantify the potential climate benefits of wetland restoration and conservation. This research is key to better predicting current and future contributions of wetlands to climate change, which is highly relevant for policies aiming to limit the level of global temperature rise.