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Biosphere research: Potential solutions for eight global problem areas
Soils are losing their fertility, biodiversity is declining dramatically, and microplastics and toxins are spreading to even the most remote ecosystems - with serious consequences for the climate, harvests, prosperity and global security. An interdisciplinary team from international research institutions has developed potential solutions for eight key problem areas, which they have published in the journal Biogeosciences. This is the first in a planned annual series of publications intended to complement the major UN global assessments issued every eight to ten years by the IPCC and IPBES. The study is led by Dr Friedrich Bohn, research fellow in the Departments of Computational Hydrosystems and Ecological Modelling at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), and Professor Ana Bastos, Professor of Land-Atmosphere Interactions at Leipzig University. In an interview with the Leipzig University magazine, they talk about the background and intentions behind this new series. Professor Bastos, Dr Bohn - together with many other interdisciplinary researchers from international institutions, you have launched a new series of publications summarising current findings in biosphere research each year. What is the aim of this series? Dr Friedrich Bohn: The aim is to provide decision-makers with well-founded insights into the current state of biosphere research. On the one hand, this helps ensure a steady flow of information in the years between the comprehensive assessment reports published by the IPCC and IPBES. On the other, we want to support economic and political decisions closely tied to the biosphere by offering scientifically grounded findings. Professor Ana Bastos: A particular priority for us is not only to communicate well-established knowledge, but also to make existing uncertainties and research gaps transparent. Which academic disciplines are involved? Bastos: From the outset, it was important to us to work in a highly interdisciplinary way. That’s why researchers from the natural sciences, social sciences and economics are all part of the project. Bohn: At the same time, we placed great value on assembling an international team. The authors come not only from Europe and North America, but also from Africa, Asia and South America. This was crucial to us in order to incorporate diverse perspectives and regional contexts. In your first paper, you developed potential solutions for eight global problem areas. What are these areas? Bastos: Among other things, we examined the importance of coastal habitats and explored how deforestation affects the global water cycle. We also analysed expected changes in fire dynamics as a result of climate change, and identified key factors to consider in nature-based approaches to carbon sequestration. Bohn: We also present scientific work on the proportion of near-natural habitats and highlight the factors that should be given greater attention in future international policy packages related to the biosphere. Another focus is the economic significance of ecosystems. We present a framework that goes beyond purely economic valuation by incorporating ecological and social values.
