Unanticipated Future Change in the Land and Ocean Biosphere

Professor James Randerson studies the global carbon cycle. He is known for advancing our understanding of the role of fires in the Earth System. In his work, he combines satellite observations with climate models to explore changes in the biosphere. In 2003, Randerson moved to UC Irvine where he now holds the position of Ralph J. and Carol M. Cicerone Professor of Earth System Science.

Carbon cycle feedbacks have the potential to accelerate the build up of atmospheric carbon dioxide, making it more difficult to stabilize the climate system. In his talk, Professor Randerson will describe several terrestrial carbon cycle feedback mechanisms involving lightning, wildfires and sea level rise that are likely to become increasingly important over a period of decades to centuries. Within the oceans, Professor Randerson will discuss how changes in sea ice cover around Antarctica may trigger sustained losses of global ocean productivity and fisheries for more than a millennium.

This is a recording of a presentation organized by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Center for Climate Sciences as part of its Distinguished Climate Lectures on May 15, 2018 in Pasadena, Calif.