Werner Kurz - Forest Carbon Science

Name: Werner Kurz
Field of Expertise: Forest Carbon Science
Education: Ph.D. in Forest Ecology, University of British Columbia
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria, British Columbia

What he studies

Dr. Kurz studies how carbon is cycled through forest ecosystems, and he investigates natural and human activities that cause carbon to be taken out of or released back into the atmosphere by forests. His research also extends into the study of how carbon is cycled through harvested wood products. His team’s work directly contributes to international negotiations for Canada on climate change.

What is the importance of his research?

Forest carbon research improves our understanding of the role of Canada’s forests in climate change. This understanding is required to develop climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in the forest sector. It is an important component of overall global carbon cycle science, which is needed to help us understand global change and predict future climate conditions.

Interesting fact

Dr. Kurz and his colleagues in the Carbon Accounting Team are working with other Canadian Forest Service teams to assess potential climate change mitigation strategies on a national scale involving sustainable forest management as well as substituting energy-intensive products and fossil fuels with wood. Internationally, the team is working on the application of models to assist partner countries achieve reductions of emissions from deforestation and degradation.

Current research projects

Dr. Kurz is the lead scientist in charge of the development of Canada’s National Forest Carbon Monitoring, Accounting and Reporting System and the development of the Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector. His research focuses on the impacts of natural disturbances, forest management and land-use change on forest carbon budgets.

Key publications

Pan, Y., R.A. Birdsey, J.  Fang, R. Houghton, P.E. Kauppi, W.A. Kurz, O.L. Phillips, A. Shvidenko, S.L. Lewis, J.G. Canadell, P. Ciais, R.B. Jackson, S. Pacala, A.D. McGuire, S. Piao, A. Rautiainen, S. Sitch, D. Hayes, C. Wayson. (2011) A Large and Persistent Carbon Sink in the World’s Forests, Science: 333: 988-993.

Kurz, W.A., Dymond, C.C., White, T.M., Stinson, G. , Shaw, C.H., Rampley, G.J., Smyth, C., Simpson, B.N., Neilson, E.T., Trofymow, J.A., Metsaranta, J., Apps, M.J. (2009) CBM-CFS3: a model of carbon-dynamics in forestry and land-use change implementing IPCC standards, Ecological Modelling 220: 480-504.

Kurz, W.A, C.C. Dymond, G. Stinson, G. J. Rampley, E.T. Neilson, A. L. Carroll, T. Ebata, and L. Safranyik (2008) Mountain pine beetle and forest carbon feedback to climate change, Nature 452:987-990.

For a more detailed listing of Dr. Kurz publications go to http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/search?query=Kurz

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