IEES Newsletter – December 2024

Effects of Ozone Pollution on Terrestrial Vegetation: A Deep Dive into Physiological Mechanisms and Risk Assessment

Date: 18/12/2024
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: YIA 902 (9/F), Yasumoto International Academic Park, CUHK, Shatin, NT (Hybrid via Zoom)

As part of IEES seminar series, we hosted an illuminating session on December 18, 2024, titled “Effects of Ozone Pollution on Terrestrial Vegetation: Physiological Mechanism and Risk Assessment.” This event, held in a hybrid format, brought together researchers, students, and environmental enthusiasts to explore the growing challenge of ozone pollution and its impact on ecosystems.

Unraveling the Impact of Ozone Pollution

The seminar addressed the escalating issue of surface ozone (O₃) pollution, which has become a primary air pollutant in China during summer and a significant environmental concern across the Northern Hemisphere. While fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have decreased due to enhanced environmental governance, O₃ concentrations have risen, posing a threat to terrestrial vegetation. High O₃ levels are known to reduce crop yields and suppress forest productivity, leading to substantial ecological and economic impacts.

Dr. Zhaozhong Feng, our distinguished speaker, presented a comprehensive framework of “hazard monitoring – ecological processes – impact mechanisms – ecological risks.” The talk explored:

• Physiological mechanisms behind interspecies differences in O₃ sensitivity, focusing on specific leaf weight.
• Impacts on photosynthetic physiology, biomass, and yield responses.
• Stomatal O₃ absorption models and methods for quantifying O₃ flux through cell membranes.
• Critical thresholds for O₃ effects on typical species.
• Regional impacts of current O₃ pollution on forest productivity and crop yield losses in China.

This session provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the ecological risks posed by O₃ pollution and the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies.

About the Speaker

We were honored to have Dr. Zhaozhong Feng, a leading expert in atmospheric environmental changes and ecosystems, as our speaker. Dr. Feng holds several prestigious positions, including:

• Distinguished Professor of the “Changjiang Scholars” Program.
• Dean of the School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST).
• Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Ecological Meteorology.
• Director of the Key Open Laboratory for Ecosystem Carbon Sources and Sinks of the China Meteorological Administration.
• Director of the Applied Meteorology and Ecological Science Popularization Base at NUIST.

Dr. Feng has led over ten major research projects, including key initiatives funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, national key R&D projects, and frontier research for carbon peak and carbon neutrality in Jiangsu Province. With over 260 academic papers (including 200+ SCI papers in journals like Science, Science Advances, and Nature Food), four edited monographs, and textbooks, Dr. Feng is a globally recognized authority in his field. His expertise enriched the seminar, offering attendees a rigorous scientific perspective on ozone pollution.

About the IEES Seminar Series

As part of IEES’s 2024 promotional activities, our seminar series aims to engage the community with pressing environmental issues through expert-led discussions. These events provide a platform for researchers, students, and the public to explore innovative ideas, challenge assumptions, and collaborate on solutions for a sustainable future.

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