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
- Comprehensive, spatially explicit quantification of terrestrial planetary boundaries (freshwater use, land-system change, nitrogen flows, biosphere integrity) and their linkages (including links to climate change)
- Configuration of LPJmL (increasingly coupled into the POEM model) as a ‘planetary boundary simulator’ representing (nonlinear) interactions among key processes underlying the planetary boundaries
- Systematic studies of effects of boundary transgressions on the status of respective other boundaries and on human societies
- Assessment of opportunity spaces to stay within the boundaries through e.g. better crop/water management or diet shifts, considering trade-offs with other sustainability goals
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Generation of contextual policy- and business-relevant knowledge on safe operating spaces and science-based environmental targets
