Forecasting the impacts of drought on human-modified tropical forests by integrating models with data

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Tropical forests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet and play a critical role in slowing climate change by absorbing huge amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Yet these ecological powerhouses are increasingly under threat from rampant deforestation and a rise in the frequency of extreme climate events such as droughts. Understanding how tropical forests will respond to these pressures has therefore emerged as a key priority for ongoing efforts to safeguard their biodiversity and the services they provide to society. Working in Borneo - where deforestation rates since the 1970s have been among the highest in the world - this project will explore the extent to which logging tropical forests jeopardises their ability to cope with drought. By combining field experiments with cutting-edge 3D remote sensing technologies and process-based modelling, I aim to uncover how drought impacts the carbon cycle of logged tropical forests: from the growth and survival of seedlings on the forest floor to the dynamics of whole ecosystems across Borneo. In doing so I will shed light on the limits of tropical forests to withstand climate change and develop the tools needed for protecting these ecosystems as we strive to transition towards a more sustainable future.