Naomi Vaughan

[£20,780 studentship funding available.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia offers a unique opportunity to investigate the exposure of forest carbon projects to wildfire risk on a global scale, with a focus on evolving threats under climate change. The project is a CASE collaboration with BeZero Carbon Limited, leveraging their extensive dataset of approximately 3,000 global carbon projects. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is a cornerstone of future climate scenarios and national policies aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, with forest expansion through afforestation and reforestation playing a central role. However, the permanence and effectiveness of these projects are increasingly threatened by disturbances such as wildfires, which remain an under-studied risk factor. The research will compile a comprehensive global database of ongoing and planned forest carbon project boundaries, evaluate the effects of wildfire on these projects since 2000 using the Global Fire Atlas, and assess the net benefit of carbon projects by accounting for ecosystem recovery after fire events. Projections of future fire extent will be used to predict changes in exposure at different global warming levels (1.5–4.0°C), and the findings will inform prototype estimates of buffer pool sizes required to insure against future fire risk, tailored to specific regions. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background, with a degree in a numerate, computational, or environmental discipline. Essential skills include geospatial analysis using GIS, and programming experience in R or Python is highly desirable. The studentship provides funding of £20,780 and is open to both full-time and part-time study, starting on 1 October 2026. Entry requirements include at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 and English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6 in each category). This project is ideal for candidates interested in climate change mitigation, forest ecology, geospatial data analysis, and quantitative research. You will work under the supervision of Professor Naomi Vaughan and collaborate with BeZero Carbon Limited, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and practical applications in climate policy and carbon project management. To apply, visit the University of East Anglia's postgraduate research application portal and submit your CV, academic transcripts, and evidence of English language proficiency. Highlight your quantitative and geospatial skills in your application. The deadline for applications is 7 January 2025.

[£20,780 studentship funding available.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia, in partnership with BeZero Carbon Limited, investigates the exposure of forest carbon projects to wildfire risk on a global scale and how this risk evolves under climate change. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is a cornerstone of future emission scenarios and climate policies aiming for net zero by 2050, with forest-based carbon projects playing a major role through afforestation and reforestation. However, the permanence and effectiveness of these projects are threatened by disturbances such as wildfires, which can significantly reduce their long-term carbon sequestration potential. Despite their importance, there is a lack of comprehensive data and understanding regarding the current and future impact of wildfires on forest carbon projects. This project aims to address this knowledge gap by compiling a global database of ongoing and planned carbon project boundaries, building on an existing dataset of approximately 3,000 projects from BeZero Carbon Ltd. The research will evaluate the effects of wildfire on these projects since 2000 using the Global Fire Atlas, assess the net benefit of carbon projects by considering ecosystem recovery after fire, and use climate projections to predict future changes in wildfire exposure at different global warming levels (1.5–4.0°C). The findings will inform prototype estimates of buffer pool sizes needed to insure against future fire risk, tailored to specific regions. The ideal candidate will have a strong quantitative background, essential experience in geospatial analysis (GIS), and preferably programming skills in R or Python. Applicants should hold at least a UK 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a numerate, computational, or environmental discipline. The studentship offers £20,780 in funding and is open for full- or part-time study, with a start date of 1 October 2026. The application deadline is 7 January 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in climate change, environmental science, and quantitative research to contribute to a critical area of global climate policy and forest management.