Above- and belowground interactions among plants and ecosystems influence productivity, decomposition, and water and nutrient uptake. In this talk, I will highlight new research examining water uptake, soil organic matter and fertility, and plant productivity in forests and other ecosystems. One goal of the presentation will be to discuss how such process are represented in global demographic and earth models and—given LBNL expertise—how to improve them.

About the Speaker: Rob Jackson (Stanford University)

Rob Jackson and his lab examine the many ways people affect the Earth. They seek basic scientific knowledge and use it to help shape policies and reduce the environmental footprint of global warming, energy extraction, and many other issues. They’re currently examining the effects of climate change and droughts on forest mortality and grassland ecosystems. They are also working to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Global Carbon Project, which Jackson chairs; examples of new research Rob is leading include establishing a global network of methane tower measurements at more than 50 sites worldwide and measuring and reducing methane emissions from oil and gas wells, city streets, and homes and buildings.

As an author and photographer, Rob has published a trade book about the environment (The Earth Remains Forever, University of Texas Press), two books of children’s poems, Animal Mischief and Weekend Mischief (Highlights Magazine and Boyds Mills Press), and recent or forthcoming poems in the journals Southwest Review, Cortland Review, Cold Mountain Review, Atlanta Review, The Lyric, and Measure. His photographs have appeared in many media outlets, including the NY Times, Washington Post, USA Today, US News and World Report, Science, Nature, and National Geographic News.

Host: Jennifer Holm