Research Field Earth and Environment
Understanding System Earth to ensure that our home planet remains ecologically stable and the climate equilibrium is not knocked out of balance. Helmholtz researchers search for sustainable solutions for the co-existence of industrial society and the natural environment.
Goals and Roles
The research field Earth and Environment examines the basic functions of the Earth system and interactions between nature and society.
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- Lena River Delta - Landsat 2000 05, Image: Alfred-Wegener-Institut
It focuses on expanding and interconnecting long-term observation systems, improving predictions and applying results within society. One special goal is to formulate scientifically based policy recommendations on how the Earth’s resources can be used in a sustainable fashion without destroying the foundations of life. For example, REKLIM, a Helmholtz climate initiative, brings together the expertise of eight Helmholtz centres in an effort to improve regional and global climate models. In the Water Science Alliance, Helmholtz experts work together with universities and other partners to investigate the impact of global change on water resources. An important aim is to establish and operate infrastructure and facilities such as the HALO research aircraft and the TERENO network. This latter project involves the construction of terrestrial observatories in four selected regions in Germany. Within the scope of the COSYNA project, a longterm observation system will be created for the German North Sea and later extended to Arctic coastal waters.
Outlook
To meet the challenges, the research field Earth and Environment will continue to pool the capacities of the participating centres within shared research portfolios. This strategy will lead to new alliances and facilitate the expansion of Earth observation and knowledge systems as well as integrated modelling approaches. The interdisciplinary portfolio project “Earth System Knowledge Platform – Observation, Information and Transfer” will integrate the knowledge acquired by all the centres in this research field and by their partners. It aims to help society to cope with the complex challenges brought about by changes in the Earth system. The incorporation of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel into the Helmholtz Association has significantly expanded its research spectrum.
The Geosystem Programme: The Changing Earth
The analysis of the physical and chemical processes within the earth’s systems and interaction between geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere and their impact on the human habitat lie at the heart of this programme.
More details about Research Programme Geosystem: The Changing Earth
Marine, Coastal and Polar Systems Programme
The research programme has taken on the task of observing contemporary changes in the oceans, polar systems and coastal regions and in particular their assessment against the background of past changes.
More details about Research Programme Marine, Coastal and Polar Systems
Atmosphere and Climate Programme
The research programme addresses the role played by the atmosphere within the climate system as well as those processes that have a decisive influence on climate changes, natural disasters, air quality and hence quality of life on Earth.
More details about Research Programme Atmosphere and Climate
Terrestrial Environment Programme
The Terrestrial Environment Programme aims to preserve the foundations of human life and develop options for the sustainable use of resources.
More details about Research Programme Terrestrial Environment
The programmes in the funding period 2009-2013
Eight Helmholtz centres currently participate in the research field Earth and Environment: the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the Forschungszentrum Jülich, the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (since 2012), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research (HZG), the Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
Research is currently being conducted in four programmes:
The Geosystem Programme: The Changing Earth
The analysis of the physical and chemical processes within the earth’s systems and interaction between geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere and their impact on the human habitat lie at the heart of this programme.
More details about Research Programme Geosystem: The Changing Earth
Marine, Coastal and Polar Systems Programme
The research programme has taken on the task of observing contemporary changes in the oceans, polar systems and coastal regions and in particular their assessment against the background of past changes.
More details about Research Programme Marine, Coastal and Polar Systems
Atmosphere and Climate Programme
The research programme addresses the role played by the atmosphere within the climate system as well as those processes that have a decisive influence on climate changes, natural disasters, air quality and hence quality of life on Earth.
More details about Research Programme Atmosphere and Climate
Terrestrial Environment Programme
The Terrestrial Environment Programme aims to preserve the foundations of human life and develop options for the sustainable use of resources.
More details about Research Programme Terrestrial Environment
Involved Helmholtz Centres
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences
Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Centre for Environmental Health
Contact
Prof. Dr. Georg Teutsch
Research Field Coordinator Earth and Environment
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
Permoserstr. 15
04318 Leipzig
+49 341 235-0
+49 341 235-1468
gf (at) ufz.de
http://www.ufz.de
Dr. Cathrin Brüchmann
Research Field Earth and Environment
Helmholtz Association
+49 30 206329-45
cathrin.bruechmann (at) helmholtz.de







