Ben Ahlswede, Penn State University

Abstract:
 Humans have profoundly transformed the Earth's surface, driving significant changes in local and global climates. The widespread combustion of fossil fuels has altered the planetary energy balance, leading to global warming and climate change. Additionally, our growing population's demand for food and space has resulted in deforestation, desertification, and urban sprawl, leaving few areas untouched by human influence. These land-use changes have profound impacts on climate dynamics, often rivaling the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.  In this talk, I will present my research on the atmospheric and global impacts of land-cover and land-use changes. I will guide you through my journey, from analyzing regional land-cover changes in Earth system models to measuring the effects of different managed vegetation types using eddy covariance towers and culminating in my current work on how urban density and morphology influence boundary layer processes. Additionally, I will share my "non-traditional" academic background, illustrating my unique approach to research and my philosophy on graduate education.