Welcome to the Abbott Lab of Ecosystem Ecology

We research how human activity affects the water and nutrient cycles that sustain all life on Earth. Our current projects investigate water chemistry in river networks undergoing permafrost degradation in Alaska, nutrient pollution in agricultural and urban landscapes around the world, and interactions among people, wildfire, and water quality in the Utah Lake watershed. We also use expert assessment methods to explore how sub-sea permafrost, air pollution, wildfire, and water security respond to environmental changes.

We are always looking for creative and motivated students to help address these important environmental and societal issues. Click here to find out how to join the team.

Announcements:

1. We joined a group of 27 Utah Lake experts to do a rapid review of the Utah Lake island proposal to the US Army Corps of Engineers. You can read the nontechnical review here: Utah Lake island application lacks restoration plan and fails to demonstrate benefits or need.
2. Our new report on renewable energy is now out: Clean Electrification of the U.S. economy. This crash course is intended to help the public and policymakers get up to speed on the biggest transformation of the global energy system since the Industrial Revolution.
3. Our open letter opposing the construction of artificial islands on Utah Lake is now out here. 117 experts signed on to a call for Utah Lawmakers to restore constitutional protection of Utah Lake and support continued restoration efforts. Please read and share.