Interactive lecture "Russia's role in the global carbon cycle"

On the basis of the Institute of Environmental Engineering, an interactive lecture “The Role of Russia in the Global Carbon Cycle” will be held remotely.

Speaker is Irina Nikolaevna Kurganova, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Chief Researcher of the Laboratory of Soil Cycles of Nitrogen and Carbon of the Institute of Physical, Chemical and Biological Problems of Soil Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The Institute of Physical, Chemical and Biological Problems of Soil Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences is one of the leading centers in the field of soil science, the main scientific direction of which is the evolution, functioning, and ecological role of soils as a component of the biosphere.

The purpose of the event is to acquaint students with the impact of global climate change on the evolution of soil cover, with the role of soil in runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. The organic carbon cycle through the greenhouse effect is linked to global climate change. Occupying more than 1/9 of the land, the Russian Federation plays an important role in shaping the carbon balance on the planet. At present, the territory of Russia acts as a sink of carbon dioxide, and its terrestrial ecosystems provide at least 1/5 of the global atmospheric CO₂ sink, mainly due to forest areas and overgrown agricultural lands. Soil carbon reserves (including peat deposits) in the 0-100 cm layer on the territory of the Russian Federation are 298-342 Gt, which corresponds to 18-23% of the world carbon reserves in the pedosphere. Today, when climate change is considered one of the most pressing environmental problems, it is necessary to understand that soil organic matter is a long-term reservoir of organic carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, and its conservation ensures to a large extent the sustainability of the global climate system.

As part of the event, students will also get acquainted with the main areas of activity of the Institute of Physical, Chemical and Biological Problems of Soil Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences, its structure, laboratories, and the specifics of scientific research. But, most importantly, the speaker will talk about the possibilities of practical training and internships for university students on the basis of the Institute.