Dr Ben Silver
- Position: Research Fellow
- Areas of expertise: Air pollution, wildfires, temperate rainforests
- Email: B.J.Silver@leeds.ac.uk
- Website: Googlescholar
Profile
I currently a research fellow on the ACRoBEAR Project at the University of Leeds, examining the impacts of Arctic wildfires on human health. In this project, I use state-of-the-art atmospheric chemistry modelling to quantify the excess deaths in the Arctic region and beyond that can be attributed to Arctic wildfire smoke. I also use machine learning techniques to quantify the impacts of wildfire-induced deforestation on regional climate.
Prior to this, I completed my PhD at the University of Leeds, with my thesis “Air quality in China: Trends, Drivers and Mitigation” accepted in 2021. In this work, I examined air pollution observations in China to quantify the latest trends in air quality during a period of rapid change. I also investigated how the COVID-19 lockdowns affected air pollution in China, as well as using atmospheric chemistry and health impact modelling to quantify the effect of air quality control policies on the PM2.5 induced health burden.
I am also associated with the Restoring Hardknott Forest project, where I conduct fieldwork examining the impact of natural regeneration on local temperatures. During my time with this project, I conducted a study on the impacts of climate change on temperate rainforests.
Responsibilities
- Research Fellow