The goal of the Bonn climate talks was to lay the groundwork for the forthcoming UN Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai. Although significant conflicts of interest and a protracted battle over the agenda hindered any notable progress, there were also positive developments, according to observers.
Our most important natural climate control system is in danger: The oceans are heating up more intensely and rapidly than ever before. In addition, this year could see the El Niño weather phenomenon – with potentially severe consequences for humans and ecosystems.
Citizen Science is a form of scientific research in which citizens actively participate in scientific projects. There are also numerous Citizen Science projects within the Helmholtz Association.
Life as we live it would be impossible without plastics. But with their persistence, plastics are an enormous burden on the environment. Helmholtz researchers are working to resolve this conflict by searching for enzymes that break down plastic waste. A further goal is to bid farewell to oil by developing biodegradable plastics.
Jens Eisert is not only an award-winning theoretical physicist. Together with his team, he recently published a proposal for making the greenhouse gas emissions of publications visible. This would raise awareness of the fact that research is not climate neutral.
Researchers are looking for bacteria that can digest plastics, and for ways to exploit this capability. Could that solve our plastic problem?
Not only is Arctic permafrost a carbon sink, it also stores pollutants from industrial activity. Researchers warn that such pollutants can be released when the permafrost thaws, threatening people and ecosystems.
More and more pesticides are being used in agriculture worldwide. They cause massive environmental damage, endanger biodiversity, and harm human health. However, progress is being made in research on their impact and in the search for alternatives.
Healthy ecosystems provide us with a wide range of foods, filter pollutants out of the air, and clean our water. A high level of biodiversity provides a layer of protection against pathogens by lowering the likelihood that certain diseases can become concentrated in individual animal or plant communities and spread faster.
