Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Model simulation research to prevent drastic changes in the global environment using the functions of forests

Research background

Amid drastic changes in the global environment, attention is being paid to the various functions that forests provide to human society, particularly their ability to absorb carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and supply wood (a biomass resource). In order to better utilize the functions of forests, it is necessary to understand the processes that take place in forests and make future predictions that take into account various conditions.

Research content

Our laboratory develops computer models that reproduce the structure and functions of forests based on processes that occur in forests and conducts predictive simulations. In particular, our laboratory is known for developing and applying global models that cover all of the world's forests, from the tropical to the boreal regions. We conduct research on various topics, such as the amount of carbon dioxide currently being absorbed by forests and the impacts of future climate change on forests.

Future prospects

Our studies aim to improve the forest models to enhance the reproducibility of the processes and functions such as forest growth. Through these works, we will deepen our understanding of forest activities and conduct research that contributes to global environmental conservation through the utilization of forests.

We will nurture human resources who can think about forests from a broad perspective, transcending boundaries between fields and scales.

“Forest Management”(for third-year undergraduate students) is a course that covers resource assessment and management based on the characteristics of forests, which include their long-term nature spanning several decades or longer, their wide distribution around the world, and their interdisciplinary nature encompassing natural and social sciences. In light of recent attention to global environmental issues, we will explain not only traditional resource management but also new trends such as models that account for environmental changes. In order to deepen the understanding of forest resources, not only in Japan but also globally, we strive to introduce various spatial data, satellite observations, and other achievements. The Forest Management Laboratory is a historic laboratory that can be said to have established this field in Japan, but since I myself only joined the university in 2023, the research group is relatively new. Taking advantage of these strengths, we are working to nurture human resources who can take on new challenges while building on tradition, and who can play an active role both in Japan and overseas. We aim to establish a laboratory where we can pursue themes that we believe important, without being bound by preconceived notions or disciplinary boundaries.

Thinking globally about forests for the protection of the global environment.

Social issues we are working on

　 We are developing models to evaluate the amount of greenhouse gases absorbed by forests in relation to climate change issues. We expect to make contributions to future predictions and policy planning by evaluating the amount of greenhouse gases absorbed by forests worldwide.

Deliverables and progress on current issues

【Development of a global forest model】
　We are developing an original model for terrestrial ecosystems such as forests and grasslands around the world, based on the accumulation of biological processes like photosynthesis. We also incorporate disturbance regimes such as forest fires and deforestation to enhance the model❜s reproducibility.
【Estimation of greenhouse gas balances】
We use computer models to reproduce greenhouse gas exchanges in forests, conducting a comprehensive assessment that considers not only carbon dioxide but also methane and nitrous oxide. We also provide the estimated data to international projects.
【Assessment of climate change impacts and consideration of countermeasures】
　Using scenarios related to future climate change and land use, we conduct research on the impact assessments on forests and the formulation of countermeasures utilizing forest functions.

Technologies, research, and prospects applicable to future developments

　Our laboratory is promoting collaborations with domestic research institutes and universities, such as the National Institute for Environmental Studies and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, as well as with overseas research institutes through participation in international projects. We also aim to contribute to policies and measures related to global environmental change, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).