TALK
- Climate change biology and its approaches to understand phytoplankton responses in the warming ocean
- Brisneve Edullantes, PhD, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu
Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that form the base of marine ecosystems, drive global primary production and affect biogeochemical cycles. Ocean warming as a result of climate change creates major threats to phytoplankton diversity together with their distribution patterns and ecological roles. The presentation examines how Climate Change Biology as an interdisciplinary field enables us to understand phytoplankton responses to these changes. The biological responses to climate change include range shifts, phenotypic plasticity, community restructuring, and local extirpation or extinction in some cases. Ocean acidification together with marine heatwaves create additional changes in phytoplankton dynamics which sometimes produce harmful algal blooms that lead to severe ecological and socio-economic consequences. Multiple methods including long-term observations and controlled laboratory and mesocosm experiments together with satellite remote sensing and ecological modeling and meta-analyses are used to evaluate these responses. The presentation demonstrates why integrated adaptive research methods are essential for predicting phytoplankton responses to future climate conditions because this knowledge enables effective management of marine ecosystems and preservation of ocean ecosystem services.
Our Speaker
Dr. Brisneve Edullantes
Dr. Brisneve Edullantes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science (DBES) of the College of Science of the University of the Philippines Cebu with expertise in Environmental Biology. He obtained his BSc in Biology from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas Cebu College (currently known as University of the Philippines Cebu) in 2009. He earned his MEng in Environmental Engineering from the Mokpo National Maritime University, South Korea in 2012. He obtained his PhD in Environmental Biology degree from the University of Essex, United Kingdom. Dr. Edullantes has taught several innovative courses in the Biology and Environmental Science programs, including Biological Systems Analysis, Environmental Change Biology, and Environmental Data Analysis and Visualization. He has actively mentored both undergraduate and graduate students in conducting scientific research. He specializes in microalgal ecophysiology and environmental change biology, as evidenced by his publications in reputable journals and presentations at both local and international conferences. His commitment to teaching, research, and public service is further highlighted by the grants and awards he has received such as International Publication Awards (2015 – 2025), Gawad Chancellor Awards (2023 and 2024), and National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) Outstanding Scientific Paper Award (2025).
Registration
The event is free to attend and open to all. It will take place at 03:00 AM to 04:00 AM UTC on August 18th.
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This seminar series is part of the Future Earth-funded cross-cutting initiative “Meta-Network” – a collaborative platform connecting science, policy, and practice to advance coastal and marine sustainability. We welcome new partners from academia, NGOs, government, and industry to join us in co-creating inclusive, science-driven solutions. Get involved by contacting [email protected].