Emissions from Surface Waters
Natural waters such as lakes, swamps, and rivers store large amounts of carbon globally and emit greenhouse gases. Ecologist Sarian Kosten, through an extensive network of local, national, and international partners, demonstrates the importance of addressing the significantly increased human-induced emissions from surface waters in the fight against global warming. Her research reveals that ditches alone account for 15% of all methane emissions in the Netherlands.
Societal Applications
Kosten and her team's research also includes fieldwork in large wetlands such as the Pantanal and the Amazon. Her findings have been applied in various societal contexts, including improving emission models, making water management more climate-resilient by water boards, and designing fishponds abroad for fish production with reduced methane emissions. The jury describes the quality, scope, and impact of Kosten's research as impressive, particularly because she provides well-thought-out solutions alongside identifying the problems.
Read the Jury Report (in Dutch)
The award ceremony took place at the twenty-fifth Evening of Science & Society on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Pieterskerk in Leiden. Sarian Kosten received a cheque worth €25,000 and a bronze sculpture by artist Wil van der Laan, presented by Minister Eppo Bruins of Education, Culture, and Science. In addition to the sculpture and prize money, Kosten is offered a workshop by the Lorentz Center in Leiden.
