Biosphere-Atmosphere Interactions and Impacts in the Anthropocene

The 2024 conference marks the 11th GRC on Biogenic Hydrocarbons and the Atmosphere since the first conference in 2000. This interdisciplinary conference brings together researchers from plant physiology, ecology, atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, soil science, and climatology to study the function and impacts of biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions in the Anthropocene. BVOCs play important roles in plant defense against oxidative stress and in plant-plant communication. Once emitted into the atmosphere, they undergo photochemical oxidation and influence the atmospheric oxidation capacity. In addition, BVOCs serve as important precursors for ground-level ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA), which contribute to poor air quality at local and regional scales. SOA represents a major fraction of atmospheric submicron particulate matter that can affect cloud formation, modify cloud properties, and interact with the Earth’s radiative balance and the climate. Many critical feedbacks between ecosystems and the atmosphere involve highly reactive BVOC species, which we are only now starting to elucidate as analytical methods for their detection are becoming available.

We are pleased to host the 11th conference again in Spain and look forward to meeting with our colleagues in person once more. The conference has a history of inclusivity and collegial interaction among the attendees. The conference will feature new speakers and inspiring perspectives along with seminal names, as we gather to guide the future of research in this exciting field.