Events
Inaugural WeCLISH Trainee Orientation, 2023-2024
WeCLISH welcomed its inaugural trainees in an online orientation session on February 23, 2024.
Photo: Left to right, first row, Andrew Grgas-Svirac, Laila Rahman, Melika Rahimimovaghar, Herwin Yengnone; second row, Mildred Molle, Mariam Takkouch, Reforce Okwei, Isaac Luginaah; third row, Chukwuka Achu, Amanda Odoi, Cornelius Pienaah, Kamaldeen Mohammed; fourth row, Daniel Amoak, Soheil Bakhtiari, Godwin Arku.
On the last day of reading week, the group met to start their journey together at Western’s Climate Research Centre.
After Cornelius graciously acknowledged the Indigenous land and peoples, Dr. Arku made welcome remarks. Discussing the critical roles of the trainees in interdisciplinary climate change research, he then highlighted the Centre’s mission, themes, values, and research activities.
Trainees took turns introducing themselves and sharing a photo they found meaningful to their research. They also presented their climate change research in the making.
The program closed with the Centre Director, Dr. Luginaah’s encouraging remarks to start collaborative climate change research that might carry them all well into the future.
Western Centre for Climate Change, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Health (WeCLISH) Graduate Student Conference 2023
Human-induced climate warming and associated increases in extreme weather events (i.e., heatwaves, dry spells, and heavy storms) pose major threats to the human population’s health, food security, and livelihoods. These changes in the climate system are also affecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem services by amplifying natural disturbances beyond their historical regimes. Climate change has also amplified the impacts of weather-related natural hazards causing significant increases in fatalities and damages to infrastructure systems and associated economic losses. However, the impacts of climate change on these different systems - climate, ecosystems and human society are not isolated but interconnected. Therefore, an interdisciplinary collaboration is needed in order to fully understand climate change risks and to effectively develop climate resilient systems. In response to this need, the Western Centre for Climate Change, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Health (WeCLISH; https://nest.uwo.ca/climatecentre/Research/Research%20Themes.html) was established in 2021. One of the main goals of WeCLISH is to consolidate existing climate change, sustainable food systems and health research at Western. Therefore, WeCLISH is organizing its first Western Graduate Student Conference and is inviting submissions of titles and abstracts on research on climate change impacts and adaptation on the following broad thematic areas - 1) ecosystems (including biodiversity), 2) food security and livelihoods, 3) health, and 4) infrastructure systems. Submissions outside these broad thematic areas are welcome.
Conference Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Time: 9:00am – 1:30pm
Mode of presentation: Hybrid
Physics and Astronomy Building 106
Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/95357712692
Meeting ID: 953 5771 2692
Schedule
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Time |
Talk title |
Faculty |
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Opening of the conference by the WeCLISH Director, Prof Isaac Luginaah |
9:00 – 9:05 |
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Sustainability and environment |
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Session 1 |
9:05 – 10:20 |
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Dona Yahampath |
9:05 – 9:20 |
Exploring Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions about the Use of School Gardens in Education for Sustainability |
Faculty of Education |
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Kamaldeen Mohammed |
9:20 – 9:35 |
Exploring the link between climate and malaria in Ghana: A spatial analysis of plamodium falciparum among children |
Faculty of Social Science |
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Chukwuka Achu |
9:35 – 9:50 |
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge and Local Knowledge in Bridging the Mitigation and Adaption Costs of Climate Change in Developing Countries |
Faculty of Law |
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Duncan McCallum |
9:50 – 10:05 |
How Black Metal Will Save The World: Eco-Metal Music as Environmental Activism |
Don Wright Faculty of Music |
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Meghdad Rahimian |
10:05 – 10:20 |
The Effect of Public Agreement on GHG Emissions in the US |
Faculty of Social Science |
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Coffee Break |
10:20 – 10:30 |
Climate change impacts and adaptation |
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Session 2 |
10:30 – 11:45 |
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Holly Deighton |
10:30 – 10:45 |
Long-term effects of silviculture on below ground carbon stocks in boreal forest sites varying in soil texture in Ontario, Canada |
Faculty of Science |
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Cornelius K.A. Pienaah |
10:45 – 11:00 |
Shea Trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) Decline Semi-Arid Northern Ghana in Context of Climate Change: Incorporating Women’s Perspectives for Sustainability |
Faculty of Social Science |
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Cristina Turcu |
11:00 – 11:15 |
Microbial community response to experimental warming in boreal peatlands |
Faculty of Science |
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Betty O. Adegebo |
11:15 – 11:30 |
Association between Temperature, Relative Humidity and Hospital Emergencies for Cardiovascular Diseases in Urban Nigeria |
Faculty of Social Science |
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Trevor Pettit
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11:30 – 11:45 |
Changes in peatland soil fauna biomass alter food web structure and function under warming |
Faculty of Science |
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Coffee Break |
11:45 - 11:55 |
Climate change resilience |
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Session 3 |
11:55 - 13:25 |
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Mariam Takkouch |
11:55 - 12:10 |
Growing more than just food: School gardens as a tool for teaching environmental education |
Faculty of Education |
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Senanu Kutor |
12:10 - 12:25 |
Climate change-(im)mobility nexus: Viewpoints of voluntary immobile populations from three coastal communities in Ghana |
Faculty of Social Science |
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Nicole Struthers |
12:25 - 12:40 |
Nature prescriptions in musculoskeletal rehabilitation: Developing protocol for an international modified Delphi study |
Faculty of Health Sciences |
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Daniel Amoak |
12:40 - 12:55 |
Does climate information source matter in smallholder farmers' climate resilience? Comparative insights from Malawi and Ghana |
Faculty of Social Science |
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Herwin Yengnone |
12:55 - 13:10 |
Implications of Food Loss in the Techiman Market: Adverse Effects on Food Security in Ghana |
Faculty of Social Science |
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Julia Hammer |
13:10 – 13:25 |
How will photosynthesis and growth in boreal forests respond to climate change? |
Faculty of Science |
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Closing remarks |
13:25 - 13:30 |
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Abstracts
Title: Exploring Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions about the Use of School Gardens in Education for Sustainability
Abstract
This study examines pre-service teachers' attitudes, interests, and views about the use of school gardens in education for sustainability, as well as pre-service teachers’ range of understanding about the use of school gardens in education for sustainability and how they think school gardens impact students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning for sustainability. To answer the main research questions, a mixed-methods research approach was used in the study. Parajuli’s Partnership Model of Sustainability was used as the conceptual framework for this research, which emphasizes four main aspects of sustainability: ecology, economy, equity/social justice, and bio-cultural diversity. The research findings revealed that the majority of pre-service teachers have overall positive attitudes, interests, and views about the use of school gardens in education for sustainability. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall attitude, interests, and views between different demographic data of pre-service teachers, such as their age, sex, year of study, and teachable subjects. As well, results showed that the majority of pre-service teachers do not have a suitable understanding of the concept of "education for sustainability," and their understanding of the use of school gardens in education for sustainability aligns with only certain aspects of sustainability. Furthermore, the study revealed particular learning outcomes of school gardens suggested by pre-service teachers that address students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward sustainability. The study also provided insight into pre-service teachers’ future tendencies to use school gardens in education as well.
Keywords: Education for Sustainability (EfS), sustainability, school gardens, garden-based learning, pre-service teachers
Kamaldeen Mohammed
Title: Exploring the link between climate and malaria in Ghana: A spatial analysis of plamodium falciparum among children
Abstract
Malaria continues to be a major public health problem especially in Africa where 94% of global malaria cases occur. Malaria prevalence and mortalities are disproportionately higher among children. In 2019, children accounted for nearly 67% of all malaria deaths globally. Recently, climatic factors have been acknowledged to influence the number and severity of malaria cases. Plasmodium falciparum—the most deadly malaria parasite, accounts for more than 95% of malaria infections among children in Ghana, Yet in Ghana, the local variation in how climatic factors drive Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence among children remain less understood. Using data from the 2017 Ghana Demographic Health Survey (GDHS) geospatial data, we examined the local variation in the prevalence and climatic determinants of child malaria. The findings showed that climatic factors such as temperature (a = 0.015, p < 0.01), rainfall (a = 0.001, p < 0.001) aridity (a = 0.004, p < 0.05), and Enhanced Vegetation Index (a = 0.001, p < 0.001) are significantly and positively associated with plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence in Ghana. However, there are local variations in how these climatic factors affect child malaria prevalence. . Malaria prevalence was highest in the south western, north western and northern Ghana. Our findings demostrate that policies for malaria prevention and mitigation could be enhanced by incorporating spatial climate data-driven strategies.
Keywords: Malaria prevalence, malaria and climate, childhood malaria, local spatial analysis, Ghana
Senanu Kutor
Title: Climate change-(im)mobility nexus: Viewpoints of voluntary immobile populations from three coastal communities in Ghana
Abstract
The discussions on the climate change–human (im)mobility nexus have received academic and policy attention. These debates revolve around two dominant populations: trapped populations and voluntary immobile populations. In order to situate the latter group in place-based research in Africa, this paper employs 36 qualitative in-depth interviews to examine voluntary immobility amidst climate change induced recurring coastal flooding. The findings reveal three reasons for immobility: place attachment, livelihood opportunities, and low mobility prospects. We have argued that understanding voluntary immobility in the context of climate change requires a better understanding of factors that interact to cause people to stay put. Through this place-based research, this study contributes to the growing scholarship on voluntary immobility in the context of climate change. We highlight that policy must better incorporate local understandings of voluntary immobility in order to avoid damage to social connections, livelihood, and culture. With this understanding, policymakers can develop suitable in-situ adaption strategies for coastal communities in Ghana (and elsewhere) affected by climate change–induced coastal flooding who decide to stay put.
Keywords: Climate change, coastal flooding, Ghana, place attachment, voluntary immobility
Mariam Takkouch
Title: Growing more than just food: School gardens as a tool for teaching environmental education
Abstract
The worsening impacts of climate change call for adopting strategic and immediate actions simultaneously. Educating the new generations about environmental problems and fostering their environmental stewardship can serve both current and future targets. Accordingly, educational programs all over the world are being called upon to prioritize environmental education (EE). From a practical stance, garden-based learning is an instructional strategy that uses the garden as a dynamic teaching setting. School gardens appear to be a promising tool in EE, and thereby addressing gaps in EE policy implementation.
My research investigates the role of school gardens, as an urban agriculture project, in fostering connections between children, the community, and the environment, in the context of Ontario schools. This project advances knowledge about school gardens as a setting that nurtures environmental awareness and stewardship of students from all backgrounds. The project also informs teachers about their important role as agents of change in EE.
Chukwuka Achu
Title: The Role of Indigenous Knowledge and Local Knowledge in Bridging the Mitigation and Adaption Costs of Climate Change in Developing Countries
Abstract
Although climate change will affect every country; however, the impact may differ based on the
infrastructural and economic development that exists in that particular country. There is a widening disparity in the vulnerabilities of developing countries to the impacts of climate change despite their minuscule contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to developed countries. Although successive International Environmental Agreements (IEAs), including the current Paris Agreement, made provisions for financial assistance from developed countries to developing countries to assist them with mitigation and adaptation costs, the financial aid has not been sufficient to fully support the mitigation and adaptation efforts of developing countries to reduce their vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change. There is a knowledge gap on how developing countries can supplement the financial contributions from developed countries towards adaptation and mitigation in the context of the global economic outlook and overall infrastructural deficits in developing countries. Thus, this paper examines the role of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Local Knowledge (LK) as a solution to cheaper, effective, and sustainable climate adaptation and mitigation measures in developing countries. By analyzing how IK and LK can be applied towards adaptation and mitigation in developing countries, this paper advances the discussion around the acceptance and integration of these practices into the broader policy initiative for addressing the impacts of climate change, especially in agricultural production and food security.
Cornelius K.A. Pienaah, Bipasha Baruah, Isaac Luginaah
Title: Shea Trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) Decline Semi-Arid Northern Ghana in Context of Climate Change: Incorporating Women’s Perspectives for Sustainability.
Abstract
Background: The Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) supports the livelihoods of communities in semi-arid northern Ghana, especially women who broadly rely on it for food, income, and medicinal uses. However, the decline in Shea tree populations in the context of climate variability necessitates identifying underlying adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Method: This study explored women’s perceptions of the decline in Shea tree fruiting and the perceived short and long-term strategies to mitigate this decline. Data was collected through forty-five (45) focus group discussions (n=315) with women from three types of communities: Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), non-CREMA communities, and imitative-CREMA communities in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The data were analyzed thematically.
Results: There is a general understanding among the participants that climate variability affects shea tree production and their livelihoods. The increasing frequency of bushfires, reduced pollinator activity, and aging tree populations are among the factors identified by the participants. Short-term strategies include instituting Shea-based credit schemes for women, restoring Shea parklands, promoting Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration, providing incentives for bushfire management, and promoting beekeeping. Long-term strategies include growing grafted Shea seedlings bred explicitly for faster growth and earlier fruiting and nitrogen-fixing trees like Faidherbia albida, establishing community Shea tree nurseries, creating Shea tree protection zones, and implementing Shea tree integrated pest management.
Conclusion: It is crucial to tailor interventions to each community's specific needs and contexts to increase the chances of success. Policymakers and stakeholders should consider the perspectives and suggestions of women from different communities to develop more effective and sustainable strategies that address the underlying causes of the decline in diminishing Shea trees.
Keywords: Aging Tree Populations; Bushfire Management; Pollinator Activity; Shea-based credit schemes; Sustainable Strategies
Daniel Amoak
Title: Does climate information source matter in smallholder farmers' climate resilience? Comparative insights from Malawi and Ghana
Abstract
Due to increasing climate variability and change, the need for more accessible, timely and reliable climate information has risen, particularly in rain-fed smallholder farming communities in Africa. Yet, studies on the role of information sources in climate resilience is limited. Given the plurality of climate information sources, it is uncertain which medium offers better chances to build resilience against the changing climate.To fill this gap, we employed quantitative survey data from smallholder agricultural households in Mzimba District in Malawi (n=1090) and the Upper West Region ofGhana (n=1100). Our findings reveal that in Malawi, households whose primary source of climate information was the mass media (OR=2.37; p ≤ 0.001) and external organizations (Government, private sector, and nonprofit sector) (OR=2.11; p ≤ 0.001) were over two times more likely to rate their resilience as good. While in Ghana, interpersonal sources (other farmers, friends/relatives, special activities by the community) significantly increased a household’s odds (OR=3.46; p ≤ 0.001) of reporting good resilience while external sources reduced farmers likelihood of reporting climate resilience (OR=0.06; p ≤ 0.001) compared to those who relied primarily on self-experience. Farmers in Malawi who practiced Intercropping were also more likely torate their resilience as good than those engaged in monocropping. The findings suggest that the relevance of information sources on climate change resilience is place-specific and that some of these sources may impede the resilience-building process if contextual factors are sidelined. This finding reaffirms the need for context specific policies due to the heterogeneity of agrarian communities across Africa.
Duncan McCallum
Title: How Black Metal Will Save The World: Eco-Metal Music as Environmental Activism
Abstract
Black metal is an extreme sub-genre of heavy metal known for its shrieked vocals, purposefully distorted guitars, and unorthodox song structures. Born out of a rejection of commercial heavy rock, the sub-genre has always been counter-cultural, with lyrics often focusing on “black-isms” such as misanthropy, nihilism, and even satanism. Among the many polarizing topics black metal takes on, ecological disaster has been considered since the sub-genre’s inception. The last two decades, however, have seen the emergence of select bands devoting their musical output to solely addressing environmental concerns, known as eco-metal, or green-black metal. This stylistic subdivision of black metal often takes an activist approach to addressing environmental issues, as a way of initiating conversation amongst metal fans. Examining eco-metal through the lens of “black metal theory,” that is the academic study of black metal ideology in music and fandom alike, shows how this sub-genre has set itself up to meaningfully address environmental concerns and indeed encourage fans to enact real change. Through analyzing the music of eco-metal bands, primarily Wolves in the Throne Room and Cattle Decapitation (with their most notable eco-metal album The Anthropocene Extinction ), this paper seeks to investigate the effectiveness of eco-metal as a form of environmental activism.
Herwin Yengnone
Title: Implications of Food Loss in the Techiman Market: Adverse Effects on Food Security in Ghana.
Abstract
Despite efforts to increase food production, food insecurity continues to pose a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Techiman market, renowned as the breadbasket of Ghana, faces persistent food loss throughout the entire supply chain, from harvest to market.
This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining five (3) focus group discussions (n=15), in-depth interviews (n=10), and a survey (n=543). Data were collected from traders and market attendees in the Techiman market to capture multiple perspectives and dimensions of the research.
The regression and thematic analysis of the data revealed critical insights. Firstly, inadequate storage facilities resulted in frequent spoilage of farm produce. Secondly, poor transportation and handling practices contributed to a loss in food quality before reaching the market. Furthermore, a substantial portion of produce with spots was deemed unsellable and discarded. Given the existing threats of food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, addressing food loss becomes imperative due to the unpredictable impact of climate change and production challenges in the region.
This study sheds light on the implications of food loss in the Techiman market and its detrimental effects on food security in Techiman and Ghana. To mitigate food losses, it is recommended to implement improved farming practices, such as irrigation, and establish proper storage facilities. Additionally, policy interventions should be pursued to tackle these challenges and promote sustainable food systems.
Keywords: Adverse Effects; Food Chain; Food Loss; Food Security; Techiman Market of Ghana
Trevor Pettit, Katy J. Faulkner, Robert W. Buchkowski, Devdutt Kamath and Zoë Lindo
Title: Changes in peatland soil fauna biomass alter food web structure and function under warming and hydrological changes
Abstract
Boreal peatlands play an important role in terrestrial carbon storage. Soil fauna and their trophic interactions play a key role in regulating microbial communities and the flux of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) belowground, thus controlling the storage/release of C and N in soil systems. At northern latitudes, soil temperature and moisture conditions under climate change are predicted to become more extreme and more variable, and these factors will play an important role in regulating decomposition and ecosystem functioning, like C and N dynamics, in boreal peatlands. The objective of this research is to quantify and model the effects of experimentally imposed temperature and moisture conditions that simulate potential future climate, on peatland soil fauna food webs and soil C and N fluxes. Results suggest that increases in temperature and soil saturation will alter total faunal biomasses with warming increasing and soil saturation decreasing biomasses. Shifts in fauna biomass drove the changes in C flux, C mineralization, and N mineralization. However, under warming, increased population turnover rate alongside decreased feeding efficiencies increased the proportion of total C flux that is lost as respiration (i.e., C mineralization). Future research is needed to better resolve the opposing changes in potential future boreal peatland C and N dynamics threatened by potential future warming and climate-mediated changes in peatland hydrology.
Keywords: carbon flux, nitrogen mineralization, soil biodiversity, boreal peatlands, energetic food web models, hydrological changes, warming
Betty O. Adegebo
Title: Association between Temperature, Relative Humidity and Hospital Emergencies for Cardiovascular Diseases in Urban Nigeria
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remains the leading cause of mortality globally despite identified risk factors and medical interventions. Existing studies on temperature-cardiovascular diseases associations are concentrated in temperate regions despite increased vulnerability of populations in tropical regions. This study examined the association between temperature, relative humidity and cardiovascular diseases emergency admissions in seven major urban locations selected across five bioclimatic zones in Nigeria. After ethical considerations, daily records of minimum and maximum temperatures, and relative humidity were obtained for the period 2010-2019 and was combined with corresponding daily count of emergency cardiovascular diseases admissions using the Poisson regression model. Location-specific characteristics of temperature variables and relative humidity were examined using time series analysis. A total of 23,524 counts of emergency cardiovascular diseases admissions (Male= 11,370; Female = 12, 154) were included in the study. The result showed a more pronounced increase in daily minimum temperatures than daily maximum temperatures in the seven urban locations. Daily relative humidity and apparent temperature also increased over the period. The Poisson regression results showed statistically significant associations between every one degree or unit change in daily minimum and maximum temperatures, relative humidity and counts of cardiovascular diseases emergencies. The relative risk associated with exposure to temperature and relative humidity varied between urban locations and bioclimatic zones. Further increase in urban temperature due to climate change can worsen cardiovascular health emergencies in Nigeria. It is important to create awareness among populations and encourage targeted health interventions strategies that reduces the risks associated with the different thermal experiences of vulnerable populations.
Keywords: Urban temperature, cardiovascular emergencies, risks, health, Nigeria
Nicole Struthers
Title: Nature prescriptions in musculoskeletal rehabilitation: Developing protocol for an international modified Delphi study
Abstract
As a prominent global health issue, musculoskeletal conditions are influenced by personal, societal, and environmental factors. Physiotherapists have a unique advantage in the enhancement of people’s contribution to planetary health through reconsidering the relationship between the environment and musculoskeletal health. The standard of care for musculoskeletal management is exercise and education; however, sedentary lifestyles tend to be adopted by people living with musculoskeletal conditions. The use of nature as a motivator for physical activity remains underutilized, and its potential contribution to long-term self-management of musculoskeletal conditions is unexplored. Nature prescription has the potential to be utilized in musculoskeletal management through supplementing physiotherapy, but it currently has not been sufficiently explored and further knowledge advancement is required. We propose a modified Delphi study to develop a framework for the use of nature prescription in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. We aim to answer two research questions: (1) How can the utilization of nature prescription address personal, social, environmental, and global burdens of rehabilitation? and (2) What is the direction for future research and utilization of nature prescription in musculoskeletal practice? This prospective consensus building study will consist of three rounds to (1) develop a comprehensive list of key topics, (2) create an internet-based Delphi survey to be sent to participants, and (3) reach consensus on the development of a framework. This research is situated within the novel field of environmental physiotherapy that emerged in response to environmental crises and physiotherapy as an entry point to advance knowledge and increase research capacity for broader, inclusive focus on human and planetary health. Nature prescriptions may provide health benefits beyond an anthropocentric focus through the uptake of pro-environmental behaviours and sustainability perspectives in healthcare.
Turcu C, Tai V, and Lindo Z.
Title: Microbial community response to experimental warming in boreal peatlands
Abstract
Boreal peatlands are essential in global carbon cycles and storage as waterlogged, anoxic, acidic and low temperatures decrease rates of decomposition of organic substrates by microbial communities. However, this balance is at risk due to predicted effects of climate change on these conditions that is expected to disproportionately affect boreal peatlands and could potentially alter carbon storage and decomposition processes such that peatlands become carbon sources. As microbial communities play a vital role in decomposition, shifts in microbial community abundance and composition responding to climate change are undoubtedly changing, making them essential indicators of how carbon cycles will change. Experimentally warmed plots in boreal peatlands have previously shown shifts in plant and soil mesofauna towards more heterogeneous communities, however, less is known about how microbes will respond. In addition, previous methods of measuring microbial biomass using PLFA analysis give vague functional and taxonomic details and are not optimized for organic-rich soils. Thus, I will be using ambient and experimentally warmed plots, to quantify differences in microbial biomass and community composition, using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and metabarcode sequencing respectively, and in doing so provide an indicator for changes in microbial biomass in peatlands. I will also compare biomass estimates obtained from qPCR and PLFA and test if they are analogous. By quantifying shifts in microbial community composition and abundance, my research will provide baseline estimates on changes in microbial responses to experimental warming and validate the use of qPCR as a measure of microbial biomass in peatlands. Overall, my work will contribute to microbial carbon cycling models under the pressures of climate change.
Holly Deighton
Title: Long-term effects of silviculture on below ground carbon stocks in boreal forest sites varying in soil texture in Ontario, Canada
Abstract
The boreal forest has historically been regarded as one of the largest terrestrial carbon (C) sinks. However, increased soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition by microbes due to silviculture practices such as clear-cut harvesting and site preparation may exacerbate the effects of climate warming and shift boreal forests from being C sinks to C sources. The strength of the protection of soil C from SOM decomposition is driven mainly by soil texture, with clay soils expected to be more resistant to decomposition and have a higher C storage potential than sandy soils. We used an established stand-scale, full-replicated experimental study to identify how silviculture influences C dynamics at three boreal forest sites varying in soil texture in Ontario, Canada. Each site was surveyed for forest floor and mineral soils pre-harvest and 5-, and 14-years post-harvest. We found that C stocks did not significantly differ between silvicultural treatments over time; however, C sequestration differed across soil textures in the long-term. At the sand-dominated site, mineral soil C stocks were lower in all treatments at year 14 compared with year 5 values, whereas at the silt- and clay-dominated sites, mineral soil C stocks were higher in all treatments at year 14 compared with year 5 values. The magnitude of change in mineral soil C was higher in the harvest plus compared with the harvest only treatment for both the silt- and clay-dominated sites; however, no significant treatment effect was observed. The silt-dominated site had highest increase in percent upper mineral soil C compared with the sand- and clay-dominated sites, which may be due to the presence of earthworms at the site mixing the organic and upper mineral soil horizons. This work improves upon our understanding of how silviculture practices affect belowground C stocks in the long-term and demonstrates that soil texture influences the magnitude of these effects.
Keywords: soil carbon sequestration, soil organic matter decomposition, silviculture, harvesting, boreal forest
Meghdad Rahimian and Jafar El Armali
Title: The Effect of Public Agreement on GHG Emissions in the US
Abstract
The United States is a major emitter of greenhouse gases. These gases are linked to climate change, and scientists seem to have a consensus on the subject. Yet, this consensus does not seem to have passed to the public opinion in the United States. Over the years and across states and counties, a significant percentage of the US population does not agree that climate change is happening or that that we need to be worried about it causing harm to people. We call this a public climate change agreement gap. In this paper, we estimate the quantitative effect of increasing public climate change agreement in the US on GHG emissions. We find a significant relationship between higher public agreement and lower subsequent GHG emissions. Then, we estimate the welfare impact of closing the public climate change agreement gap. We find that closing this gap can result in annual welfare gains of up to $2 trillion.
Julia Hammer
Title: How will photosynthesis and growth in boreal forests respond to climate change?
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]), leading to global warming. Northern latitude regions, including the Canadian boreal forest, are more vulnerable to warming than many other areas. Boreal forests absorb and store large amounts of CO2 through photosynthesis and growth, yet we have relatively little data on the photosynthetic and growth responses of boreal trees to sustained elevated [CO2] (EC) and warming. I grew seedlings of five widespread Canadian boreal trees for one growing season under various [CO2] (400 and 750 ppm) and temperature (ambient +0, +4, and +8 °C) treatments. I then measured net photosynthesis at the growth [CO2] (Agrowth), photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax and Jmax), and total biomass. In all species, Vcmax and Jmax were unaffected by EC but were strongly reduced by warming, with few interactions. Associated with this, Agrowth and biomass were generally enhanced by EC and suppressed by warming. Warming also increased the thermal optimum of Agrowth, though this was not related to adjustments in the short-term temperature responses of Vcmax, Jmax, or stomatal conductance. My results imply that photosynthetic CO2 uptake and growth in Canadian boreal tree seedlings will be similar under current and future climates (if soil water and nutrients are non-limiting). These findings will help improve our models of global CO2 cycling as the climate changes.
