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New study using state-of-the-art fire-vegetation models estimates a 10% global reduction in tree covered area and vegetation carbon storage due to fire
Terrestrial ecosystems, particularly large forests, represent an important source of carbon uptake and storage, but their capacity to do so can be impacted by the occurrence of fire. Other factors, such as drought and herbivory also interact within ecosystems, making it difficult to determine to what extent fire impacts the carbon cycle, and therefore how […]
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With the threat of wildfires increasing, how is the UK’s response being coordinated?
Photo: Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service The UK is not a wildfire hotspot, when compared to places such as the Mediterranean or Australia, yet wildfires still pose a threat to life, health and property. This risk is only likely to grow with climate change, with wildfires increasing in frequency […]
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PhD Studentship: Machine Learning and Data Assimilation for accurate wildfire predictions
Project Description This project aims to incorporate machine learning algorithms in data assimilation processes to improve efficiency and accuracy of wildfire estimations and predictions. The resulting models will assimilate data of wildfire variables (fire incidence, burnt area, fire duration, emissions etc) and wildfire drivers (a wide range, e.g. vegetation-related variables, climate related variables, human/society related […]
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Adapting to a changing climate in the management of wildfires – what we know, and what we need to do
By Dr Adriana Ford, Centre Manager (Photo: OECD Conference Centre in Paris) Recognising the significant impact that wildfires can have on socio-economic development, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) held an international conference “Adapting to a changing climate in the management of wildfires”, jointly organised with PLACARD, on the 16-17 January 2020 in […]
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Leverhulme Wildfires Research Workshop: Approaches to Data Analysis (19 May 2020)
Our second Leverhulme Wildfires Research Workshop is on Approaches to Data Analysis, chaired by Prof. Colin Prentice. Download the flier here
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British wildfires are getting more frequent. Here’s what that means. (27 Apr 2020)
While small-scale compared to infernos elsewhere, the rise in incidents of serious wildfires could be harder to control in future years. Prof. Guillermo Rein speaks to National Geographic. Read the story here.
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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Data Assimilation and Machine Learning
Applications are invited for a Research Associate to join the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society, to work within the Data Science Institute with Dr Rossella Arcucci, at the South Kensington Campus of Imperial College London. The focus of this project is the development of a range of the next generation data assimilation and […]
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An interview with Dr Apostolos Voulgarakis
Dr Apostolos Voulgarakis is an Associate Director, and Founding Director, of the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society. He is Associate Professor at the Technical University of Crete and remains a part-time Reader at Imperial within the Department of Physics, in the Space and Atmospheric Physics Group. Our Centre Director, Prof. Colin Prentice, asked […]
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PhD Studentship: CO2 impacts on past and future fire regimes and their consequences for biodiversity
Project Description Much of the discussion of the drivers of recent changes in fire regimes has focused on the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities. However, the direct impacts of changing atmospheric CO2 on plant growth and water-use efficiency could also affect biomass production and hence fuel loads, and therefore influence future fire regimes. […]
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Wildfires are ruinous – so how to stop them happening in the first place? (12 Feb 2020)
“In the wake of destruction caused by wildfires, most recently in Australia, experts are seeking ways of limiting their impact by managing forests better” Prof Guillermo Rein (Imperial) talks to the Guardian about megafires and the need for prescribed burning.
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