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Researchers offer approaches to effectively tackle the challenges of climate change

Biodiversity as the key to healthy soils and climate buffers

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Two new papers published by researchers from Leipzig University and its partner institutions shed light on the complex relationships between biodiversity, soil and climate. They show how human influences and climate change are jeopardising our environment and emphasise the need for integrated solutions that promote sustainability and social justice. Both studies have recently been published in renowned journals.

Blick über Berge und Wälder in den Wolken
Photo: Colourbox

Research findings on the importance of soil biodiversity
In a new study, a team of scientists from Leipzig University and its partner institutions has analysed the central role of soil in the nexus between biodiversity, climate and society. The review shows that soils are not only an important biodiversity reservoir, but that they also support essential ecosystem functions and services that sustain life on Earth. In addition, soil is a critical carbon sink and regulator of the global carbon cycle and greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial for climate regulation.

Professor Nico Eisenhauer, lead author of the study, says, “Integrated approaches such as sustainable land management and societal engagement are necessary for improving soil health and mitigating climate impacts. Technological innovations and effective policy measures play a central role in this.” Research emphasises that measures such as agroforestry (a combination of forestry and agriculture) and organic farming can improve soil quality and mitigate climate change. Societal engagement – which is achieved through education and collective action – is also crucial for environmental awareness. “Our study shows that we need to protect soil biodiversity, promote sustainable land use practices and further mitigate climate change in order to secure the role of soil in supporting biodiversity, climate regulation and the preservation of our livelihoods,” says Eisenhauer. 

Biodiversity as a buffer against climate extremes
A second study conducted by researchers from Leipzig University and its partner institutions is dedicated to the effects of extreme weather events on ecosystems and human well-being. The study concludes that the organismic, structural and functional diversity of the land surface can attenuate the negative effects of such extreme events. At the same time, it warns that the ongoing exploitation and intensification of land use could jeopardise this buffering capacity. “Our research shows that a decline in biodiversity can destabilise the functioning of ecosystems and exacerbate the effects of climate extremes,” explains Professor Miguel Mahecha, lead author of the paper.

The study stresses the need for a comprehensive research approach that incorporates both ecological and hydrometeorological perspectives in order to understand and predict the complex feedback system between altered biodiversity and climate extremes. Such an approach requires advanced observation and modelling methods that are capable of capturing the complex interactions between biodiversity patterns and atmospheric processes. “If we can close these gaps in understanding, we can better comprehend the buffering capacity of biodiversity and thus support policy decisions aimed at mitigating the effects of climate extremes and strengthening the resilience of ecosystems,” says Mahecha. 

 

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