KIT contributes to the research program "Changing Earth - Sustaining our Future" in the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment.
The atmosphere is the Earth's thin protective layer that shields us from harmful radiation, moderates temperature differences, and redistributes thermal energy, water, and pollutants: Almost all life depends on it. This protective function is maintained by delicate balances and is vulnerable to global changes in climate and land use. The main drivers of climate change are the radiative effects of greenhouse gases and aerosols, which affect the composition and impact of the atmosphere on all aspects of societal activities.
We are developing seamless observational and modeling techniques to unravel the complex interactions of climate change between the atmosphere, land surface, and ocean. As focal areas, we are investigating changes in air quality - globally and in urban areas - the internal causes and effects of climate change through feedbacks, and what kinds of weather and extremes we will need to prepare for in the future. Advances in these areas are paramount for reliably assessing the state of the Earth system and for predicting and projecting global changes on our future living conditions.
[more]
Our research follows a holistic approach: we develop cross-scale observational and modeling solutions for improved atmospheric forecasts and regional climate projections with unprecedented resolution. We strive to observe, understand, and predict atmospheric phenomena and process chains from their origin to climate change impacts in the atmosphere, particularly in their interactions and feedbacks with the land surface, biosphere, cryosphere, oceans, and near-Earth space. Through our work, we can assess the physical, chemical, and socio-ecological consequences of atmospheric change and its impact on climate, extreme weather, and land ecosystem functioning.
In doing so, we increase knowledge to address societal challenges such as global warming, growing world population, land use change, air quality, water availability, and energy and mobility change. Our atmospheric and climate observation and modeling activities provide the scientific basis of sustainable development strategies for the benefit of society, ecosystems, and climate mitigation and adaptation combined with economic risk reduction.
As part of the ICN, researchers from KIT and the University of Freiburg are working with the municipality of Ihringen to develop heat protection concepts to ensure the population's quality of life in the long term
moreKIT researchers investigate the removal of micropollutants in electrochemical electrochemical membrane reactor using carbon nanotubess
moreIn autumn 2024 we studied the impact of meteorological conditions on emissions of volatile organic compounds from beech and douglas fir trees at the new ECOSENSE station in the black forest. Emissions from individual leaves and fir needles at different locations in the canopy were measured on-line by mass spectrometry.
Novel Doppler lidar system resolves previously unattainable valley circulations during test flights in the Alps
moreCo-HYDIM-SA will improve water security for millions of people in Southern Africa who are currently enduring one of the worst drought to ever hit the region.
moreOn 16 und 17 October Helmholtz scientists met for a workshop in Karlsruhe to discuss recent developments in remote sensing of the Earth system.
more