Navigating Strategies for Managing Multiple Crises Simultaneously
In an effort to address the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation, a new interdisciplinary publication series has been launched. Co-edited by Friedrich Bohn and Ana Bastos, this series aims to bring together scientific findings from the past three years, bridging the time between major reports from UN institutions IPCC and IPBES.
The series, titled "Bridging the Gap Between Climate and Biosphere," offers a unique approach to tackling the complex Poly-Crisis. The first report, already published, covers a wide range of topics, including coastal ecosystems, forests, CO2 storage, international agreements, and coexistence of humans and nature. The second report, available as a preprint, focuses on the "poly- or Earth system crisis," examining interconnected material cycles of the Earth, including the climate crisis as one part.
The researchers behind this series are planning to create interactive graphics, online courses, and videos for future publications, but funding is needed to make these initiatives a reality. They are deliberately addressing the public and decision-makers in politics and economics, aiming to make the information simpler and faster to understand.
One of the key solutions proposed in the series is nature-centered climate action. Addressing climate change together with ecosystem protection is essential, as climate impacts are reinforced by ecosystem loss, which includes critical carbon sinks. Another solution is bio-based innovations, which can transform economies by adopting circular, low-carbon practices. However, their environmental trade-offs must be carefully evaluated to avoid unintended harm to biodiversity or carbon sinks.
The series also emphasizes the importance of building strong, long-term partnerships between researchers and natural resource managers, facilitating effective knowledge transfer and practical implementation of climate adaptation measures. Supporting these relationships with aligned incentives and funding timelines enhances the translation of science into action.
Moreover, integrating climate and biodiversity objectives into development planning maximizes economic growth potential while safeguarding the biosphere. Aligning finance for climate, nature, and sustainable development can drive systemic reforms that support inclusive, climate-resilient, nature-positive development goals.
Friedrich Bohn, one of the co-editors, explains the significance of forests in the water cycle. Almost half of land precipitation is evaporation from plants, especially forests. If forests continue to be logged, there will be a CO2 problem and a significant change in the water cycle. Protecting existing forests or reforestation should be considered, but careful planning is needed to avoid changing existing ecosystems.
The publication series involves researchers from various continents, particularly from the global South. The team is planning to expand their resources, creating interactive graphics, online courses, and videos for future publications. To support this endeavour, funding is needed.
In addition to the ARD Climate Update, a weekly and free resource for staying informed about climate change, providing updates on heat, drought, and extreme weather, this new publication series offers a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of climate and biodiversity research. Friedrich Bohn also offers a lecture or similar event for those interested in the topic, emphasizing the value of exchange between science and the public, especially with decision-makers.
The series, "Bridging the Gap Between Climate and Biosphere," delves into the intersection of climate change, environmental science, and education and self-development, providing comprehensive reports on critical topics like coastal ecosystems, forests, and carbon storage. To further simplify complex scientific findings, the series plans to create interactive resources such as graphics, online courses, and videos, but necessary funding is required for their implementation.
