Global Change Ecology of Northern Ecosystems

This Canada Excellence Research Chair project explores how Arctic tundra, alpine and boreal forest ecosystems are influenced by warming temperatures and shifting seasonality. We are studying how climate change is altering the timing of plant growth, habitat composition, wildlife movement, and species ranges, and the collective impact of these changes on livelihoods of Indigenous communities in the Yukon Territory Canada. We are also conducting international synthesis to quantify vegetation change in circumpolar boreal forest and tundra ecosystems.

Research across the Yukon

The research combines long-term, in situ monitoring and remote sensing, including using drones and perspectives of local Indigenous partners at sites across the Yukon Territory from the Southern Yukon, Central Yukon and Yukon North Slope to form a hub for research on landscape change. Each graduate student and postdoctoral project involves a northern collaborator who proves mentorship to that researcher to support their research.

Project collaborators

The research program is conducted in collaboration with the Porcupine Caribou Knowledge Hub and research partners including the Yukon Government, Yukon Parks, Parks Canada, Yukon University, the Aurora Research Institute and communities and Indigenous governments across the Yukon and in the NWT. The research also involves international research collaborations through the International Tundra Experiment and High-latitude Drone Ecology Network.