Dr. John C. Lin

What impact are humans having on the atmosphere?

As part of a multi-institutional, cross-Canada research program, earth and environmental sciences professor John Lin is trying to answer that question by determining “exactly how much and where across the Canadian landscape carbon dioxide (CO₂) — one of the main gases implicated in causing global warming — is being added or removed from the atmosphere.”

The atmosphere, he explains, “is the fluid in which we breathe, play, and live, that determines our weather and climate.”

It’s also the same fluid that’s being altered by a buildup of CO₂ from burning fossil fuel and cutting down forests.

Lin makes use of data through computer simulations of atmospheric flows, observations of CO₂ concentrations made by aircraft or satellites, and biological modelling of photosynthesis and respiration.

For instance,” he says, “if an aircraft detects lower CO₂ concentrations and the computer indicates that the measured air travelled over the extensive forested regions in Canada during the summer growing season, then we can estimate how much CO₂ was absorbed by the forests.”

Understanding what controls the input and removal of this important gas, adds Lin, means we can plan for and, perhaps, mitigate climate change.

If we learn that the Canadian forests are absorbing CO₂, then we can hope to better manage these forests to take up more CO₂. Such management efforts can serve as an important tool in combatting global warming.”

Lin’s fascination with environmental issues dates back to high school when he began to ponder the impact of an “exploding human population” on the planet. His interest in a broad spectrum of scientific fields, including biology, physics, and computing, provided the knowledge base for tackling the CO₂ question. And Waterloo’s reputation enticed him.

“Waterloo’s strengths in science, engineering, and math co-exist with the interdisciplinary bridges necessary to make my research program take off.”

• More information about Dr. John Lin
• Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
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