International Recognition! Professor Wan-Yu Liu’s Team at NCHU Advances Green Future Through Urban Forest Research
2025-03-03
興新聞張貼者
Unit秘書室
140
Amid the growing challenges of climate change, the importance of urban forests has gained increasing attention. Distinguished Professor Wan-Yu Liu from the Department of Forestry at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) has long specialized in research on forest carbon sequestration and urban forest ecosystems. Recently, her paper was published in the prestigious international journal Urban Climate (Impact factor = 6.4, Ranking = 12/110 = 10.9%), a key international journal recommended by the National Science and Technology Council in the field of regional geography. Her research not only highlights the diverse benefits of urban forests but also calls on society to recognize the impacts of extreme climate events on urban forest ecosystems, further enhancing Taiwan's academic standing.
Professor Liu emphasized the significance of urban forests, stating, "Urban forests not only absorb carbon dioxide to mitigate the greenhouse effect but also provide shade, improve air quality, and effectively regulate urban microclimates." In recent years, ecosystem services provided by urban forests have garnered widespread attention, with their contributions to society, culture, economy, health, and the environment being increasingly recognized by international research. Professor Liu further pointed out that while urban forests offer substantial benefits, they also present challenges that must not be overlooked. For instance, while street trees contribute significantly to shading, beautifying the environment, and reducing psychological stress, extreme weather events such as typhoons may lead to tree collapses, road damage, and other safety hazards, increasing public maintenance costs.
Located in the northwest Pacific, Taiwan is one of the regions most frequently hit by tropical cyclones, experiencing between one and six typhoons making landfall each year. Professor Liu’s research focuses on the impact of extreme climate events on urban forest ecosystems, particularly the risks posed by typhoon-induced tree failures to urban residents’ transportation, property, and personal safety. A field study conducted in Taichung City revealed that "providing shade," "enhancing urban aesthetics," and "promoting psychological well-being" were the most widely recognized benefits of urban forests among residents. However, challenges such as rising maintenance costs, tree collapses caused by typhoons, and pavement damage due to tree roots remain significant concerns for urban forest development.
To maximize the benefits of urban forests while minimizing damage from extreme climate events, Professor Liu recommends that the government strengthen urban forest management strategies. These include selecting more resilient native tree species, promoting the underground installation of power lines to reduce the risk of tree collapses, and increasing funding for tree pruning and maintenance to ensure both tree health and public safety. She further stressed that urban forest planning should not only consider ecological benefits but also assess potential risks to develop more comprehensive management policies. Through professional research and policy guidance, urban forests can serve as a crucial environmental resilience mechanism in the face of climate change while safeguarding public safety.
Under the pressure of climate change, urban forests are not only a key solution for environmental sustainability but also an essential pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality. Professor Liu’s research, spanning carbon sequestration management to risk prevention, demonstrates Taiwan’s influence in the global academic community and provides valuable insights for urban forest development worldwide. Looking ahead, fostering collaboration among academia, government, and society—combining expert research with public support—will be crucial in building safer, greener, and more sustainable cities. By doing so, humanity can face climate change with greater hope and possibilities.
Professor Liu emphasized the significance of urban forests, stating, "Urban forests not only absorb carbon dioxide to mitigate the greenhouse effect but also provide shade, improve air quality, and effectively regulate urban microclimates." In recent years, ecosystem services provided by urban forests have garnered widespread attention, with their contributions to society, culture, economy, health, and the environment being increasingly recognized by international research. Professor Liu further pointed out that while urban forests offer substantial benefits, they also present challenges that must not be overlooked. For instance, while street trees contribute significantly to shading, beautifying the environment, and reducing psychological stress, extreme weather events such as typhoons may lead to tree collapses, road damage, and other safety hazards, increasing public maintenance costs.
Located in the northwest Pacific, Taiwan is one of the regions most frequently hit by tropical cyclones, experiencing between one and six typhoons making landfall each year. Professor Liu’s research focuses on the impact of extreme climate events on urban forest ecosystems, particularly the risks posed by typhoon-induced tree failures to urban residents’ transportation, property, and personal safety. A field study conducted in Taichung City revealed that "providing shade," "enhancing urban aesthetics," and "promoting psychological well-being" were the most widely recognized benefits of urban forests among residents. However, challenges such as rising maintenance costs, tree collapses caused by typhoons, and pavement damage due to tree roots remain significant concerns for urban forest development.
To maximize the benefits of urban forests while minimizing damage from extreme climate events, Professor Liu recommends that the government strengthen urban forest management strategies. These include selecting more resilient native tree species, promoting the underground installation of power lines to reduce the risk of tree collapses, and increasing funding for tree pruning and maintenance to ensure both tree health and public safety. She further stressed that urban forest planning should not only consider ecological benefits but also assess potential risks to develop more comprehensive management policies. Through professional research and policy guidance, urban forests can serve as a crucial environmental resilience mechanism in the face of climate change while safeguarding public safety.
Under the pressure of climate change, urban forests are not only a key solution for environmental sustainability but also an essential pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality. Professor Liu’s research, spanning carbon sequestration management to risk prevention, demonstrates Taiwan’s influence in the global academic community and provides valuable insights for urban forest development worldwide. Looking ahead, fostering collaboration among academia, government, and society—combining expert research with public support—will be crucial in building safer, greener, and more sustainable cities. By doing so, humanity can face climate change with greater hope and possibilities.
Urban forest planning should consider not only ecosystem benefits but also potential risks.
Professor Liu emphasizes the importance of urban forests, aiming to create a safer, greener, and more sustainable urban environment.
