World Wildlife Fund’s Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Seminar Series
Dr. Ruth DeFries
Denning Professor of Sustainable Development
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology
Columbia University
Changing Dynamics of Tropical Deforestation and Atmospheric Carbon Emissions: Science Meets Policy
Date: September 11th, 2008
Time: 4:30-5:30pm (lecture); 5:30-6:30pm (reception)
Admission: FREE!!
Registration: http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/item1816.html
Location: World Wildlife Fund Headquarters
1250 24th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Consideration of carbon credits to developing countries for averted deforestation is high on the policy agenda. The underpinnings for such policies rest on technical capabilities to estimate and monitor carbon emissions. Changing dynamics of deforestation in some parts of the tropics towards mechanized, large-scale production require new approaches to estimate emissions. Dr. DeFries will discuss the science behind estimating deforestation emissions and modeling carbon fluxes and the implications of scientific uncertainties for policy.
Ruth DeFries’ research investigates the relationships among human transformation of the land surface and the biogeochemical and ecological processes that regulate the Earth’s habitability. Her research uses satellite imagery as a lens to examine changes in the land surface over large areas. The overall thrust of the research is to develop underlying science for balancing the needs of human society to transform the landscape for food production, settlements and other requirements while maintaining long-term habitability of the planet.
Ruth DeFries holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University and BA summa cum laude from Washington University. She is a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation award, and a fellow of the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program.
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