together academics and PhD students in Botany, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Geography and Statistics to explore potential climate action projects such as restoration, afforestation, rewilding, offsetting and technologies in Ireland using multi-site case studies. FOREST will explore questions like: what are the different perspectives on the value of nature and how can benefits such as eco-system services be measured and monitored? What ecological data is required before action is taken on a site? How do we measure ecological baselines? What are the trade-offs associated with actions (economically, environmentally, socially) and how do we measure and evaluate these trade- offs? What criteria should inform decision making? What blended solutions, involving both nature and technology, are required to tackle these challenges? PhD students across the six disciplines will meet fortnightly to discuss their projects which will assess and compare the benefits of different approaches to afforestation. They will look at: Differentiating between planting single species non-native trees such as Sitka Spruce and planting mixed broadleaf species, comparing benefits in terms of climate, nature, society, and timber supply. Comparing nature-based solutions such as forestry to technology- based solutions such as solar panels, wind farms and carbon capture technologies, examining the role of each in tackling the climate emergency. Comparing the financial incentives for afforestration to incentives for alternative uses of the land such as agriculture, taking into account the financial implications of Ireland not meeting its climate targets. Investigating afforestation from a community perspective, in terms of community activities, as well as additional social, economic and ecological benefits. As well as research outputs, FOREST will inform teaching on Trinity BSc, MSc and diploma courses, thus educating graduates equipped to address global challenges in a holistic, responsible and innovative way.
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