Interactions Among Climate, Land Use, Ecosystem Services and Society

University Of New Hampshire, Durham NH

Investigators

Abstract

This Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Award focuses on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services in New Hampshire and their interactions with short and long term changes in climate and land use. The project will investigate the interdependence of ecosystems, climate change, and impacts on society. The work is scientifically significant and regionally relevant as ecosystem services are central to the well-being of New Hampshire residents and to the region's economy. The project brings together research universities, 2- and 4-year colleges, small businesses, local government, and non-profit organizations to address key issues related to ecosystems research, education, and workforce development in the state. Intellectual Merit This RII project will examine how climate variability and climate change affect and are affected by changes in land use, supply and demand balances of water resources, and dynamics of nutrients in New Hampshire's streams and rivers. The research program will build a statewide system of terrestrial and aquatic sensors as well as use aircraft remote sensing and satellite imagery. This infrastructure will provide information on forest structure, soil emission, water temperature, and nutrient levels with high spatial and temporal resolution than is currently possible. The new data will be used in climate, hydrological, and ecosystem models. The integration of observational and modeling work on forest and water ecosystems will lead the way to examine future scenarios of climate change and the potential impacts on ecosystem function. The project will survey public perceptions of climate change and land use and broadly disseminate the analyzed results to improve communication among the public, policy makers, and an interdisciplinary team of scientists. Broader Impacts The project has a suite of activities that are well-integrated with research to promote education at all levels. The implementation of the research project will contribute to an improved understanding of the historical effects of climate, land use, and demographic changes. In addition, improved communication among researchers, policy makers, and the public is expected to enable informed decision-making by all stakeholders. Workforce development initiatives under this project include incentives to transfer from 2-year to 4-year schools, and summer institutes for K-12 teachers, 2-year college faculty, and 4-H volunteers to be trained in the use of terrestrial and aquatic sensors, data collection methods and participation in research. The project includes distance learning programs and plans for web-based dissemination of research results.