About the working group
We study the dynamics and interactions of terrestrial planetary boundaries, including their improved definition, quantification, regionalisation and operationalisation. Research builds on our long-standing expertise in process-based coupled simulation of ecosystem dynamics, water, carbon and nutrient cycling, and land systems including biomass plantations with our internationally leading biosphere model LPJmL.
Research Objectives
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Spatially distributed quantification of terrestrial planetary boundaries (PBs for freshwater use, land-system change, nitrogen flows, biosphere integrity) and their interlinkages, incl. enhanced boundary definitions
- Configuration of LPJmL (increasingly coupled into the POEM model) as a ‘PB simulator’ representing (nonlinear) interactions among key processes underlying the PBs
- Systematic studies of effects of PB transgressions on the status of respective other PBs and on society
- Assessment of option spaces to stay within multiple PBs via e.g. improved crop/water management, negative emission technologies or diet shifts
- Quantification of tradeoffs with other sustainability goals (food production, nature protection)
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Generation of contextual policy- and business-relevant knowledge on safe operating spaces and science-based environmental targets
