Bronwen Whitney

Originally from Canada’s east coast, my interest in past environmental change was sparked as an undergraduate when I learned of the rapid climate and vegetation shifts that occurred in the North Atlantic region.

I studied for my PhD at the University of Edinburgh (2005 – 2009) where I examined climate and vegetation change from the last glacial period until present in the world’s largest tropical wetland. From there, I continued my research into human and climatic causes of tropical environmental change and I joined Northumbria University in January 2015

My research contributes to understanding the climatic and human influences on ecosystems, species abundance, and biodiversity. Using pollen and other microfossils preserved in sedimentary environments, such as algal remains and microscopic charcoal, I analyse how plant communities have responded to historical disturbances and past climate change.