Charlotte Weaver

Background

I graduated from The University of Nottingham in 2013 with an MSci in Natural Sciences, where I focused on mathematics and chemistry. For my final year project, I looked at the adsorption of carbon dioxide and hydrogen in metal organic frameworks, which can be used for carbon capture and storage. This project introduced me to the environmental effects of greenhouse gases and ways in which we can reduce them. After graduating, I decided to volunteer for a sustainable development charity in Nicaragua, where I further developed my interest in global environmental issues. This interest led me back into academia where I could learn more and use my research for real-world benefits.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-weaver-513987a5

Research Interests

Understanding the impacts of large-scale bioenergy deployment on land use change and how these in turn impact climate and biodiversity:

Second generation bioenergy deployment is expected to play a key role in the future energy mix outlined in the 1.5˚C and 2˚C transformation pathways. However, on a large-scale bioenergy production could have negative sustainability implications and thus may counteract aims to fulfil the Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) agenda. In particular, there are large uncertainties with regards to its impact on the land system and in turn how this could affect climate effects (SDG 13) and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). My work uses 1.5˚C -2˚C SSP (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) scenarios to determine the practicalities of bioenergy expansion with regards to its positive and negative impacts on climate change and biodiversity.

Why I chose the CDT in Bioenergy

For a long time, I have been interested in the effects of human activity on the environment. Energy demand is predicted to increase over the next century due to the growing and developing global population. I joined the Bioenergy CDT to learn more about how bioenergy can contribute to the energy security challenge, whilst combatting environmental issues. The CDT is also a great opportunity to meet new people, gain useful skills and learn about a wide range of topics that are helpful towards my research.