Aberystwyth University recently hosted the Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) Future Leaders Network, as part of a GGR Demonstrator Roadshow. This dynamic event brought together 35 early career researchers (ECRs) and other early career professionals working in innovative start-ups, policy and governance, standard-setting bodies, and elsewhere across the GGR space. The event provided participants with on-the-ground experience of land-based methods for greenhouse gas removal, particularly exploring the challenges associated with monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV).
The 3-day event featured insightful presentations from leading experts in GGR research and implementation, along with 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 GHG emissions, particularly N2O.
Participants praised the event for its blend of informative sessions, hands-on learning, and social activities. Overall, the roadshow provided invaluable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and discussion, helping to identify new knowledge gaps and foster future collaborative work to advance GGR strategies. The event underscored the importance of interdisciplinary efforts and showcased how ECRs and experts can work together to drive sustainable climate solutions.
Many of the sites visited during the event are funded through by UKRI, which has invested £30 million to investigate the viability of five GGR methods: enhanced rock weathering, sustainable treescapes, perennial biomass crops, peat formation, and biochar.
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 amdani.co
