53 Beiträge in Kategorie: Research

A couple of days after the tragic and shocking ice-rock-debris avalanche in Blatten on May 28, here are a few points on the underlying physics of the cascade of processes and the role of climate change.

How can cities in the Global South finance climate action in ways that are both effective and fair? We recently discussed the findings of our SNSF-funded research project «The Urbanization of Global Climate Finance» with local experts, government officials, international cooperation agencies, and climate activists in Mexico City.

As climate change intensifies, Europe’s forests face increasing stress. The European beech, a key tree species, has been especially harmed by recent droughts – particularly the severe 2018 event. While some trees show greater resilience, the reasons for this variation remain unclear. A workshop at GIUZ discussed latest research insights and practical implications.

Climate change is putting enormous pressure on biodiversity and ecosystems, including forests. In the first week of March, we gathered high-resolution 3D point clouds of the leaf-off beech forest at Laegern, our living laboratory near Zurich.

What began in the 19th century with the first systematic and internationally coordinated glacier measurements has continued to this day. And it has taken on a special significance this year, the “International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation” proclaimed by the UN.

Die international koordinierte Gletscherbeobachtung hat eine lange Tradition. Was im 19. Jahrhundert mit ersten systematischen Messungen begann, wurde bis heute kontinuierlich weitergeführt und bekam in diesem Jahr, dem von der UNO ausgerufenen «Internationalen Jahr zur Erhaltung der Gletscher», eine besondere Bedeutung.
Also available in English 🇬🇧

How should we monitor biodiversity quickly, affordably, inclusively, and in detail, with limited resources? This challenge is especially tricky for a more hidden and harder to study piece of biodiversity – genetic diversity. But we are making progress.

Think of a natural entity that you love… A tree, a lake, an animal, your pet, a sunset or even a whole forest. And now ask yourself: “What is it that connects me to this natural entity? Its beauty? The memory I have of it?” Two PhD projects are investigating what makes up our relationship with nature.

Have you ever encountered a situation when a colleague or a friend was very stressed, very depressed or had other acute mental health troubles? I always felt unsure about whether to say anything to them and how to help.

The production chain of Stadler Rail, the Swiss-based rail vehicle manufacturer, has been severely affected by the recent floods in Valencia. It will take years to get back to normal. This case shows that science, politics and the corporate world are probably still grossly underestimating the costs of climate change.