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CLIMATE AND EARTH SYSTEM RESEARCH

Core Research Area Climate, Earth and Environment

The Earth and Society Research Hub (ESRAH) researches how humans change the Earth system and how we can shape change, strengthen resilience, and use resources sustainably. The Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)—which investigates which climate futures are plausible and how they can be implemented—is also based here.

Content

GLOBAL AND INTERDISCIPLINARY

What influence do humans and the earth system have on each other locally, regionally, and globally? One research area alone cannot answer this question. Therefore, ESRAH is supported by the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences. This means that not only are meteorology, physics, and oceanography involved, but so are the social sciences, economics, humanities, and law. This is how we combine perspectives across disciplines.

KEY ISSUES OF OUR TIME

Collage mit einem Landwirt, der in einem grünen Feld Pflanzen untersucht, und einer dicht bebauten Hochhaus-Skyline; überlagert von bunten, geschwungenen Formen in Blau, Grün und Rot.

Photo: AdobeStock; Thomas Wasilewski

How probable is it that we can limit the warming of the Earth to 2 degrees Celsius or, even better, 1.5 degrees? Climate change is a key challenge for which we want to—and must—find options for action. There are also other questions: How can the necessary changes be designed in such a way that they preserve and strengthen social cohesion? How do we economize and live in a way that conserves resources? How can societies become more resilient?

Diversity of methods and knowledge exchange

ESRAH supports the development and implementation of research projects as well as scientific exchange. In addition, we combine excellent basic research with complex computer models and develop case studies, concrete adaptation scenarios, and decision-making tools for business and government. We are also committed to the research-based and interdisciplinary training of early career researchers and to the transfer of knowledge to society.

Participating faculties and research centers

At ESRAH, researchers from different disciplines work together on climate and earth system research without disciplinary boundaries.

Cooperation and research partners

Researchers, programs, and projects

At ESRAH and CLICCS, researchers from different disciplines and perspectives work closely together, organized in various teams and projects.