Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute
Welcome to the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton!
This podcast explores the greatest and most wicked problem that is sustainability, whilst looking at how we are collectively addressing this critical global challenge.
Sustainability needs to be addressed by understanding how the economy, society, culture, politics and environment intersect, and this is the focus that informs each episode of the Meliora podcast.
In each episode, host Professor Simon Kemp and guest hosts are joined by a variety of guests, including academics, students, staff, researchers, alumni, community groups and business leaders.
The aim of the podcast is to shine a light on the vast range of topics surrounding sustainability and to allow listeners to learn about the critical challenges we face, as well as how they can be part of the solution. We also ensure our fantastic students have the opportunity to share their brilliant work with the world.
Podcast host: Professor Simon Kemp, Deputy Director of the Sustainability & Resilience Institute, University of Southampton
Podcast editors: Lily Killner, Sophie Green, Libby Kale, Jack Dinham, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton
Please do get in touch to discuss this podcast and any of the issues we raise by emailing sri@soton.ac.uk
Follow us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast
Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute
Sophie Green - Evaluating the efficacy of tree planting for atmospheric carbon sequestration, in the Ardochy Forest, Scotland.
In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium we are joined by (Meliora Editor) Sophie Green (BSc Geography) to discuss her Independent Research Project 'Evaluating the efficacy of tree planting for atmospheric carbon sequestration, in the Ardochy Forest, Scotland.'.
This study evaluates the efficacy of tree planting for carbon sequestration in Scotland, through assessing the impact of species and of land management. Practical recommendations are based on the findings and aim to guide current tree planting projects in Scotland. The study has an experimental research design, involving manipulation of tree species mix in the Ardochy Forest and using mixed methods to create qualitative and quantitative findings; remote sensing displayed temporal analysis and calculations based on the CSORT model were used to quantify carbon stocks, project future trends, understand ecosystem dynamics, and evaluate management practices. Ecological succession theory and carbon saturation theory were applied as theoretical frameworks to to understand the dynamic processes of carbon sequestration over time. Analysis indicates a strong relationship between species and carbon sequestration, suggesting species should be considered in the planning phase of tree planting. Sitka spruce caused the greatest amount and highest rates of carbon sequestration. While deciduous trees were discovered to be most beneficial for carbon sequestration, a mix of native and non-native species is recommended for future projects. The study concluded that the Ardochy Forest’s LMP had limited benefits for carbon sequestration. This dissertation aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 15: Life on Land. The dissertation's focus on evaluating tree planting for carbon sequestration contributes to understanding how nature-based solutions can mitigate climate change effects, while touching on the contribution of tree planting to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services. Furthermore, the study is indirectly linked to Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Tree planting initiatives may promote the use of sustainable consumption patterns by fostering awareness about the environmental impact of consumption habits, while also contributing to creating more sustainable and resilient communities by enhancing green space and improving air quality.
The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.
Episode Guest: Sophie Green
Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp
Episode Editor: Sophie Green
Engage with us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast
