From crisis to action:New scientific publication summarizes eight key environmental issues

11 June 2025, by Website Team Biologie

Photo: iStock/cosmin4000

Climate change pressure on the biosphere is increasing. Soils are losing their fertility, biodiversity is declining dramatically, microplastics and toxins are spreading to the most remote ecosystems and climate change is increasing the pressure. These developments are already having an impact on food security, bioeconomy, and ultimately prosperity. A diverse team of international researchers has now synthesized solutions for eight problem areas and published them in the journal Biogeosciences. In order to provide decision-makers at all levels of politics with concise information, the scientifically developed proposals are also presented on a dedicated website.

An international and interdisciplinary team, with the participation of the research unit Functional Forest Ecology, has now launched the first of a new publication series in the journal Biogeoscience, which summarizes the latest findings from biosphere research annually. Their aim is to provide well-founded and solution-oriented impulses between the major global reports IPCC and IPBES, which are only published every 8-10 years. “An annual update is important as the various crises in the Earth system all affect the biosphere and therefore food security, material cycles and cultural and economic values,” says Friedrich Bohn. The experts selected eight key areas, from endangered habitats on the seashore to forests and carbon capture in natural ecosystems. For each topic, the scientists described the scientific background and challenges and then outlined specific solutions.

“If forests in the Amazon are cleared for livestock farming, rainfall decreases, which can lead to crop failures in agriculture,” Anja Rammig, Co-Author and scientist at the Technical University of Munich. Intact forests could prevent this. However, reforestation measures are not equally useful everywhere. “In dry areas, new afforestation could cause the groundwater level to fall because the trees evaporate a lot of water, causing other plant species to die out locally,” she says. “Based on this evidence, it is clear that climate change mitigation has to take a more holistic approach, where other ecosystem services and nature’s values are considered” says Ana Bastos, co-author and scientist at Leipzig University. 

"Nature's Contributions to People are the foundation of our daily survival and well-being." says Awaz Mohamed, Co-Author and scientist at the Department of Biology (UHH). "We can no longer afford to treat biodiversity as something separate from the landscapes we live in. Embedding at least 25% of high-functioning nature into every square kilometre whether in cities, farms, or countryside is essential to secure clean water, pollination, mental health and protection from natural hazards". "If biodiversity, extent and connectivity are maintained, even semi-natural landscapes shaped by humans can make important contributions to our well-being and protect against climate extremes and natural hazards. However, we found that only one third of the world's human-altered land reaches this minimum level for the provision of these ecosystem services,” adds Prof. Dr. Ina Meier, Co-Author and scientist at the Department of Biology (UHH). “This proportion should be increased through adapted management and urban planning centered around nature-based solutions.”

The team of authors advocates creating awareness of existing problems through education and actively involving the local population in political decision-making processes in all the subject areas covered. More sustainable practices should be promoted in a targeted manner and innovative, possibly unconventional approaches should also be given a chance. Openness to new ideas and the courage to experiment are needed. At the same time, it is important to recognize regional characteristics, make them visible and incorporate them into measures. “Business as usual no longer pays off for the majority of people,” warns Romina Martin, from the Stockholm Resilience Centre and one of the co-authors. "The biosphere which used to support human lives on Earth is increasingly out of balance. Although the challenges are complex, better life conditions for all are feasible where policy makers, academics, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and citizens act together."

“Future Earth, as one of the partners in this initiative, is proud of this exceptional group of authors who have translated cutting-edge science into clear, actionable insights,” said Dr. Giles Sioen, Co-Lead for Research and Innovation at Future Earth and Project Lecturer at the Sustainable Society Design Center, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at The University of Tokyo and part of the founding team of this initiative. “This peer-reviewed synthesis not only highlights the urgency of the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change but also equips decision-makers with science-based solutions developed over the past decade. Bridging disciplines and making knowledge accessible across sectors is critical to driving real-world impact.