The Network visited research sites across Wales to gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities for land-based greenhouse gas removal in the UK.
The Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) Future Leaders Network (FLN) recently visited Aberystwyth University as part of a GGR Demonstrator Roadshow. This dynamic event brought together 35 early career researchers (ECRs) and other early career professionals working in policy and governance, start-ups, standard-setting bodies, and other parts of the GGR market.
Participants gained on-the-ground experience of land-based methods for GGR, particularly exploring the challenges associated with monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV).
The three-day event featured guided tours of local “demonstrator sites”, including the Biomass Connect facilities at Frongoch and the GGR-Peat plots at Pwllpeiran Upland Research Centre. These sites contribute to the growing UK evidence base for GGR methods including bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), biochar and peatland restoration.
The agenda included a welcome from Prof Iain Donnison, Head of IBERS, followed by a keynote address from Dr Jo House, and a series of presentations that covered the full spectrum of MRV processes – from on-ground data collection to carbon credit certification. ECRs showcased their projects through engaging “show-and-tell” sessions, highlighting their work on GGR and the practical challenges in monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
As with any FLN event, the Roadshow provided opportunities for networking, collaboration and discussion. The multidisciplinary group identified key knowledge gaps and identified avenues for collaboration. The event underscored how different parts of the GGR space must work together to address issues such as the cost- and labour-intensive nature of MRV, the barriers facing land stewards to engage with carbon markets, and the need to look at greenhouse gases beyond CO2, particularly N2O.
Through events such as these, the FLN is developing a burgeoning community of future leaders who have interdisciplinary skills and knowledge, broad awareness of the challenges facing GGR beyond their day-to-day roles, as well as strong interpersonal relationships which provide a basis for ongoing collaboration.
Photos courtesy of Liubov Pankiv and amdani.co. Video by amdani.co.
