Lorna I. Harris, PhD MCIEEM
I am an ecosystem scientist and collaborative leader, broadly interested in the ecology and biogeochemistry of freshwater ecosystems and forests. My work focuses mainly on peatlands - the bogs, fens, and swamps of the world. My scientific research focuses on understanding ecosystem structure and function and the impacts of climate change and other disturbances (e.g., industrial development) on ecosystems and their values. I am also working within the international peatland science and policy community to form stronger links in science and public policy for the protection and stewardship of peatlands across Canada and globally.
For ~20 years in both the UK and Canada, I have worked to improve our scientific understanding of wetlands and peatlands and used this knowledge to inform and promote the protection, restoration, and stewardship of these important carbon-rich freshwater ecosystems. In the UK I completed a BSc at Durham University and an MSc at Newcastle University. After working in Scotland for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for ~6 years, I moved to Canada to complete my PhD research at McGill University. I have stayed in Canada, working on postdoctoral research at McMaster University and then the University of Alberta before establishing and leading a new national program for peatlands at Wildlife Conservation Society Canada. I am currently working as an independent researcher and consultant on various peatland projects and initiatives, providing expert advice and support to collaborators and partners. I am also exploring more creative initiatives (e.g., highlighting science through art) to raise awareness of the importance of peatlands and nature to people.
Effectively communicating science to a wide range of audiences is critical for policy impact and actions, and I am always happy to talk about peatlands! You can find links to TV interviews and documentaries, radio and podcast interviews, and various media articles featuring my work on this site.
My own peat-focused publication - Peatpedia - is now available on Substack, featuring stories, notes, and musings about the world's boggy lands.
To accompany Peatpedia, a new peaty podcast - Peatpod - is also coming soon!
For any questions about Peatpedia or Peatpod you can reach me here: [email protected]
For research, consulting, and media queries please contact me at [email protected]
You can also find me on Substack, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Instagram.