Sept. 10, 2019
Learning to tread lightly in the boreal forest
webinar
Energy exploration activities have affected Alberta’s boreal forest, contributing to the decline of caribou and other native species. While many are working to develop ways to restore boreal ecosystems, the full extent of these disturbances remains undocumented. For example, a recent study in the journal Nature Communications revealed unintended increases in methane emissions from boreal wetlands caused by seismic lines.
Researchers from UCalgary and UWaterloo are working collaboratively with industry partners to better understand and mitigate the effects of oil and gas development in the boreal forest. Watch to learn more about their research and pioneering new technologies aimed at helping to restore the forest and wetlands back to a healthy, thriving state.
Speakers
Dr. Greg McDermid, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Geography in UCalgary's Faculty of Arts. His research activities revolve around the application of remote sensing and other geospatial technologies to environmental monitoring and ecology.
Dr. Maria Strack, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. She is also Canada Research Chair in Ecosystem and Climate. Her research investigates the interactions between ecology, hydrology, biogeochemistry and soil properties in wetland ecosystems.
Recorded on September 10, 2019