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Tackling Europe´s water problems requires new ways of governance

Three new research and innovation projects tackle Europe’s water problems by putting into test collaborative and cross-sectoral solutions.

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Soil health and why it needs Europe-wide protection

The majority of soils across Europe are in poor condition as a result of unsustainable human activities. This has serious consequences for the health of people, the environment we live in and the ecosystems of our planet. The proposed EU Soil Health...

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Figure: Global heat storage Global heat storage has increased significantly in the ground (red line), in thawing permafrost (green line) and in inland water bodies (blue line) over the period from 1960 to 2020. The new calculations add precision to data from an earlier study (von Schuckmann et al. (2020)). Photo: Author(s) 2023

Underestimated Heat Storage

Calculations show that the thermal energy stored by land masses has increased significantly. There are many effects of climate change. Perhaps the most broadly known is global warming, which is caused by heat building up in various parts of the Earth...

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Five times fewer people in climate danger zone through compliance with Paris Agreement

What part of the global population is likely to have to survive Saharan temperatures as a result of climate change? Professor Marten Scheffer (Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management) analysed this question three years ago with a team of...

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How much wood can we expect from European forests?

The energy crisis has shown Europe the need to become more self-sufficient in resources. Wood is one of those resources, used in the construction sector, for example, and is already largely produced in the EU itself. The demand for wood is still...

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Invasive alien species are a major threat to native biodiversity and ecosystems functioning, and can affect negatively human health and the economy © Kim_Hyun-tae, 2023 (All Rights Reserved)

New study on invasive alien species pinpoints patterns of invasion across European ecosystems

The invaded extent of urban ecosystems in Europe is nearly 68%, that of freshwater ecosystems is 52%, and that of forest and woodland ecosystems is 44%.

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Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) According to the analysis of the scientists, the orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines) is the only butterfly species in Europe for which a significant increase can be recorded. Photo: Ulrike Schäfer

Butterflies on the decline

Research shows that the numbers of butterflies in meadows and pastures of Europe are in a continuous decline. A new EU regulation aims to stop this trend.

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Webinar – Is the Climate Smart and Compact City Socially Inclusive?

Did you miss our webinar on the social implications of smart, green and compact city developments? No worries, you can watch it here. Date & Time: May 15, 2023 14:00-15:00

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Around 258 million people across 58 countries faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2022 © Food Security Information Network

Food crises worsen in the wake of conflicts, economic shocks and weather extremes

Conflicts, economic shocks driven by COVID-19 and Russia’s war against Ukraine, and weather extremes are pushing up the number of people who suffer acute hunger and malnutrition, according to the latest edition of the Global Report on Food Crises.

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Wild boar in forest. The liver of wild boar is suitable as a bioindicator for PFAS contamination of the environment. Photo: André Künzelmann / UFZ

Bioindicator for the occurrence of PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considered to be forever chemicals. Many are toxic; others are highly mobile or accumulate in the food chain. However, all are extremely persistent and are spread throughout the environment. The...

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