Impact of land use on land-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases in savannahs of Sahel

In order to improve our predictions of climate change and its consequences, it is of major importance with an increased understanding of the processes affecting the land atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases.

The main aim with this project is to study the interaction between climate, land use and ecosystems of semi-arid savannahs in Sahel.

By using field observations, we aim at responding to: 1) What are the factors controlling the greenhouse gas exchange for semi-arid savannahs of Sahel? 2) what are the major features within the semi-arid savannah landscape affecting spatial variability in the greenhouse gas exchange? 3) What are the consequences for the greenhouse gas exchange of converting the semi-arid savannah to croplands?

This is a four-year project and the research will be conducted by a PhD student and the supervisors.

The research will be done in cooperation with other researchers focusing on greenhouse gas exchange of the agricultural sector.

The results of this project are of major relevance for the ability of countries across Sahel and Africa for reporting according the Paris agreement.

We will cooperate closely with stakeholders, and local and national authorities to make sure this project will contribute to climate smart decision making.