Climate change and changing land use along with demographic and economic developments are all exerting growing pressure on fresh water resources. At the same time, increasing demand is leading to shortages and land-use conflicts. This results in considerable risks to society and ecosystems.
Water management is facing major challenges worldwide: dated infrastructures of limited flexibility are jeopardising efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, increasing levels of critical substances are being measured in our ground- and drinking water.
More than half of the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in Germany are directly or indirectly influenced by private households. The decarbonisation of our carbon-based economy and society requires the transformation of infrastructures and production systems as well as far-reaching changes in consumption patterns, lifestyles, and everyday life practices.
Traffic flows are increasing – which means an increase in familiar negative consequences of traffic for society and the environment. But it is not just transport and mobility that manifest non-sustainable dynamics; different forms of urban settlement are also an issue.
Biological diversity is of vital importance to the provision of ecosystem services such as drinking water or food. Biodiversity also has a recreational value for society and offers valuable aesthetic aspects. Making a direct link to human wellbeing, the concept of ecosystem services reflects this wide variety – including economic, ecologic, cultural, and social services.
Transdisciplinary research poses challenges for researchers and other knowledge holders alike. Theoretical framing, basic methodologies, and established approaches are put into a new context, which makes interdisciplinary integration a key task.
