PhD in atmosphere-biosphere-climate interactions and land-based CO2 removal strategies

The 2021 IPCC Report recognizes urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and large-scale CO2 removal (CDR) are urgently required to mitigate climate change. Land-based CDR strategies include, among others, afforestation/reforestation, bioenergy crops, enhanced rock weathering and wetland/peatland restoration. The widespread implementation of these approaches will have consequences for air quality, human health and climate indirect feedbacks that have so far been overlooked. Further research is urgently required to address potential atmospheric and climate impacts, if these strategies were implemented at large-scale to help deliver net-zero.

A PhD student on this project will employ a combination of high-performance Earth System modelling with observations from all scales (from field experiments to satellite sensors) to understand the interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere and climate and the use of land-based CDR strategies to mitigate climate change. The student will focus on addressing pressing societal issues, such as air pollution, climate change, and land use and land cover changes.

Science Graduate School

As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience the breadth of technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.