UBC Faculty of Forestry successfully co-hosted the Second International Young Scientist Forum – Bamboo Resources in a Changing Climate, held onsite at Zhejiang A&F University (ZAFU) in Hangzhou, China, on December 12–13, 2024. This hybrid event brought together over 100 early-career researchers worldwide, featuring both in-person and virtual participation. The forum explored innovative solutions to climate change, focusing on bamboo’s potential as a nature-based solution. This event, live-streamed globally, garnered over 20,000 views and provided a platform for robust knowledge exchange, bridging gaps in bamboo research and highlighting its critical role in combating climate change.
UBC Leadership: Driving Conversations on Bamboo and Climate Change
UBC Forestry played a key role in shaping the forum. In his opening remarks, delivered virtually, Dean Rob Kozak emphasized the importance of young scientists in addressing the climate crisis and the immense potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource to mitigate climate change.
Professor John Innes, who attended in person, delivered a keynote presentation titled “Research Needs for Bamboo in the Face of Climate Change.” His address highlighted critical areas for advancing bamboo research and emphasized its role as a renewable resource and a climate solution. Professor Innes also moderated the opening ceremony and chaired the Bamboo Ecology and Physiology session, where discussions ranged from bamboo’s physiological responses to environmental stressors to its role in ecosystem restoration.
Associate Dean Guangyu Wang moderated the Emerging Technologies and Businesses session, which discussed innovations in bamboo-based industries, from composite materials to bio-engineering applications. He also moderated the closing ceremony and delivered the forum’s closing remarks, celebrating its success and inspiring continued collaboration among participants.
UBC Forestry Students’ Research Excellence
- Yeling Xia won second place in the Best Presenter Award for her research on the structural and micro-response of bamboo strips during drying.
- Chunyu Pan won third place in the Best Presenter Award with a life cycle assessment on managing bamboo forests for climate change mitigation.
- Lucy Binfield won the Best Poster Award for her study on planting bamboo on degraded land in the Amazon. The study demonstrated bamboo’s potential for ecosystem restoration and community support.
- Vaishali Vasudeva presented her research on the value chain of bamboo and its socio-economic benefits, aligning with the forum’s emphasis on livelihood improvements.
- Amsalu Alamerew contributed a compelling study on the potential of bamboo as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials, especially its versatility and ecological benefits.
Forum Structure
The forum featured 94 oral presentations across four parallel sessions, combining the expertise of in-person and online participants:
- Bamboo Ecology and Physiology: bamboo’s adaptability to environmental changes and its role in ecosystem recovery.
- Carbon Management and Livelihood: bamboo’s carbon sequestration potential and contributions to rural economies.
- Emerging Technologies and Businesses: innovations in bamboo-based industries, including advanced composites and biochar applications.
- Young Graduate Scientists: fresh perspectives and creative approaches from graduate students.
UBC Forestry thanks all participants and organizers for making this hybrid event a resounding success. The forum reaffirms UBC Forestry’s commitment to sustainable solutions for global challenges by fostering meaningful dialogue and international partnerships.