Reducing uncertainty in prediction of leaf respiration in a changing world

This project aims to advance our understanding of responses of carbon dioxide (CO2) release by leaf (leafrespiration) to sustained changes in CO2 and temperature. Leaf respiration in terrestrial forests releases yearlyCO2 that is two to four times higher than CO2 emitted by human activities, but its response to climate change isnot well understood. The project expects to generate new knowledge on mechanisms underlying responses ofleaf respiration to these climate change variables, separately and combined. Expected outcome is to delivercriteria that enable dynamic changes in leaf respiration to be predicted in climate models. Results should benefitimproved forecast of feedback between Australian forests' carbon cycling and climate.