A Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) researcher has been invited to lend his expertise to an innovative project focused on tackling climate change challenges in Glasgow.
Dr Alejandro Gonzalez Ollauri, from the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, will take part in the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-funded GALLANT project, which strives to use Glasgow as a living lab to trial new nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation.
Dr Ollauri will play a crucial role in advising on how to measure the environmental benefits of trees in the city’s open spaces.
The GALLANT project is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to transform Glasgow into a model for urban climate resilience. The project is designed to test and implement new nature-based solutions that can help the city adapt to the evolving threats posed by climate change, such as increased flooding, prolonged droughts, and the rising stress of excessive heat on its residents.
As climate change continues to impact cities worldwide, Dr Ollauri says Glasgow is taking proactive steps to become more resilient. The GALLANT project aims to address these challenges by leveraging natural resources—particularly trees—to improve water management, enhance social cohesion, and promote overall well-being.
Dr Ollauri’s involvement in the project focuses on developing and advising on innovative citizen-science methods to measure the contributions trees make to climate adaptation. One key area of interest is how trees interact with water, both in preventing floods and in helping to manage droughts.
Dr Ollauri explained:
“Trees act as natural umbrellas. Their canopies intercept rainfall, storing water on their leaves, which then evaporates back into the atmosphere. This process reduces the amount of rainwater that reaches the ground, helping to prevent flooding in urban areas.
“But trees do more than just catch rain. They also channel water down their trunks in a process known as stemflow. This nutrient-rich water, which accumulates as it travels down the tree, could potentially be harvested and used to irrigate gardens during dry periods. Understanding and optimising these natural processes is key to enhancing Glasgow’s resilience to climate change.”
The work Dr Ollauri is doing is part of a broader effort to select the right tree species and manage them effectively to maximise their positive impact on the environment. By carefully choosing tree species that are well-suited to the local climate and by employing proper tree surgery techniques, Dr Ollauri believes Glasgow can enhance its natural defences against climate change.