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.
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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.

Due to geopolitical upheavals, climate change risks being pushed off the agenda. Researchers from KIT are calling for a shift in thinking and joining a nationwide appeal.
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A CNN-based model successfully predicts the daily hail-affected areas in Germany combining reanalysis and radar data
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From 25 September 2024 to 9 April 2025, KLOCX is part of the TEAMx winter campaign. The research focusses on the study of low-level stratiform clouds and fog. The main aim is to better understand the different life-cycle phases of these clouds to improve the prediction of formation and dissipation.
More information about the measurement campaign: https://www.teamx-programme.org
More information about KLOCX: https://www.imk-asf.kit.edu/Projekte_4081.php

Storyline simulations of the July 2019 heatwave show strong and inhomogeneous temperature amplification compared to the global average warming signal.
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KIT Researchers and Partners Investigating Effects of Ozone and Water Vapor in Troposphere and Stratosphere
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KIT and partners investigate extreme wind speeds and conduct the first holistic study of weather systems over the North Atlantic.
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