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An international network of carbon cycle researchers meets 23-25 August in Kruger National Park, South Africa to explore the need for increased research capacity to both understand and manage the carbon cycle in Africa.

A joint project of the Global Carbon Project and CarboAfrica, this symposium will present the latest research results on African urban and regional carbon exchanges and management. Fundamental scientific evidence will be discussed regarding bio-energy production, ocean and freshwater carbon transport and the significant drivers of human caused carbon emissions including fossil fuel emissions, land use changes and fire.

“Better understanding of the interaction of carbon and climate in Africa is needed to effectively manage carbon and biodiversity, mitigate carbon emissions and adapt to global environmental change.” said Dr Josep Canadell, Executive Director of the Global Carbon Project.

Dr Guy Midgley, a scientist with the Global Change Research Group at the South African National Biodiversity Institute and co-organiser of the symposium said “With unavoidable regional warming, adaptation is going to become a key skill supporting sustainable development. Our understanding of adaptation to climate change, its limits, barriers and costs, remains inadequate. We need answers to these questions sooner rather than later.”

The symposium being held 23-25 August in Kruger National Park, “Carbon-Climate-Human Interactions in Africa”, has been organised by the Global Carbon Project and CarboAfrica.

The conference brings together regional and international experts working on carbon cycle sciences in the African continent dealing with the interactions of climate change and human activity.