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Biosphere Atmosphere Group
Welcome to the website of the Biosphere Atmosphere Group (BAG) at the University of Leeds! In BAG we work to understand how the biosphere and atmosphere interact and how humans are altering the Earth System. Our research covers three broad themes:
- UK Landscape Restoration and Net Zero
- Air Quality and Human Health
- Tropical Deforestation and Impacts on Climate
Further information on each of our projects can be found here.
Find out more about our team of world-leading researchers here.
Research Highlights
UK has the greatest potential for temperate rainforest restoration
New paper led by Dr. Ben Silver exposes the severe risk unmitigated climate change poses to temperate rainforests. Under a worst-case scenario, the temperate rainforest biome could reduce by nearly 70% by 2100. The UK and Ireland have the greatest potential for temperate rainforest restoration in the world, highlighting an opportunity for them to become global leaders in restoration and reforestation of this rare ecosystem.
Infographic: Local climate impacts of tropical forests
New infographic summarising recent research from BAG providing new insights on the relationship between tropical forests and local climate.
Health impacts of Arctic wildfires
New paper from researchers in BAG quantifies the health impacts of wildfires in the Arctic. During 2001–2020 we attribute ~21,000 excess deaths to Arctic Council wildfires on average each year, of which ~8000 occur in countries outside the Arctic Council.
Natural colonisation of trees in the UK uplands
New research in collaboration with the Wild Ingleborough project, in the Yorkshire Dales, highlights the potential for ‘natural colonisation’ of trees to create new woodlands as an alternative technique to tree planting.
Job opportunities to restore nature in the Lake District National Park
Exciting new job opportunities working with Forestry England & National Trust helping to restore nature in Miterdale in the Lake District National Park #SpeciesSurvivalFund. Deadline: 12th July. Funded by @DefraGovUK & @HeritageFundUK