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Leipzig researchers launch annual publication series

Biosphere research: Potential solutions for eight global problem areas

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Soils are losing their fertility, biodiversity is declining dramatically, and microplastics and toxins are spreading to even the most remote ecosystems – with serious consequences for the climate, harvests, prosperity and global security. An interdisciplinary team from international research institutions has developed potential solutions for eight key problem areas, which they have published in the journal Biogeosciences. This is the first in a planned annual series of publications intended to complement the major UN global assessments issued every eight to ten years by the IPCC and IPBES. The study is led by Dr Friedrich Bohn, research fellow in the Departments of Computational Hydrosystems and Ecological Modelling at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), and Professor Ana Bastos, Professor of Land–Atmosphere Interactions at Leipzig University. In an interview with the Leipzig University magazine, they talk about the background and intentions behind this new series.

Die großflächige Abholzung von Wäldern wirkt mehr erwärmend auf das Klima als bisher angenommen. In den abgeholzten Gebieten nehmen die Wolken ab.
Large-scale deforestation has a warming effect on the climate. The formation of clouds, and thus precipitation, decreases. Photo: Colourbox

Professor Bastos, Dr Bohn – together with many other interdisciplinary researchers from international institutions, you have launched a new series of publications summarising current findings in biosphere research each year. What is the aim of this series? 

Dr Friedrich Bohn: The aim is to provide decision-makers with well-founded insights into the current state of biosphere research. On the one hand, this helps ensure a steady flow of information in the years between the comprehensive assessment reports published by the IPCC and IPBES. On the other, we want to support economic and political decisions closely tied to the biosphere by offering scientifically grounded findings.

Professor Ana Bastos: A particular priority for us is not only to communicate well-established knowledge, but also to make existing uncertainties and research gaps transparent.  

Which academic disciplines are involved?

Bastos: From the outset, it was important to us to work in a highly interdisciplinary way. That’s why researchers from the natural sciences, social sciences and economics are all part of the project.

Bohn: At the same time, we placed great value on assembling an international team. The authors come not only from Europe and North America, but also from Africa, Asia and South America. This was crucial to us in order to incorporate diverse perspectives and regional contexts.

In your first paper, you developed potential solutions for eight global problem areas. What are these areas?

Bastos: Among other things, we examined the importance of coastal habitats and explored how deforestation affects the global water cycle. We also analysed expected changes in fire dynamics as a result of climate change, and identified key factors to consider in nature-based approaches to carbon sequestration.

Bohn: We also present scientific work on the proportion of near-natural habitats and highlight the factors that should be given greater attention in future international policy packages related to the biosphere. Another focus is the economic significance of ecosystems. We present a framework that goes beyond purely economic valuation by incorporating ecological and social values.

Eine Porträtaufnahme von Dr. Friedrich Bohnvor einer Glastür.

We hope that business leaders will also read our paper, as the destruction and degradation of ecosystems pose a long-term threat to the economy.

Dr Friedrich Bohn

Who are the proposed solutions aimed at? 

Bohn: Our proposals are, of course, primarily aimed at policy-makers. Through our work, we want to offer them ideas and arguments for forward-looking and equitable policies. On the other hand, we hope that business leaders will also read our paper, as the destruction and degradation of ecosystems pose a long-term threat to the economy. In addition to highlighting the dangers, we also consistently point out opportunities for a sustainable economy.

Could you provide an example of a recommended course of action for one of the problem areas, based on the newly published paper? 

Bastos: Most people are now aware of the role forests play as carbon sinks and know that deforestation increases atmospheric CO₂ levels. In one chapter, we expand on this knowledge by exploring the importance of forests for the global water cycle. Estimates suggest that around 40 per cent of global precipitation originates from plant transpiration. Deforestation therefore reduces rainfall in the affected region and in areas downwind. This can lead to a drier climate and, in turn, lower agricultural productivity. Recent research has shown that a one per cent loss of forest in the tropics can reduce monthly rainfall by 0.25 mm and delay the onset of the rainy season by up to 40 days.

Bohn: Changes in precipitation obviously have consequences for agriculture – and thus for food security. Halting deforestation should therefore be in the agricultural sector’s own interest. In our study, we recommend a number of measures to curb deforestation: alongside promoting sustainable forest management, designating protected areas and imposing strict penalties for illegal logging, it is also important to ensure fair and effective landscape management and to strengthen rural development.

Bastos: Supply chain measures – such as the EU Deforestation Regulation – must focus particularly on high-risk areas, while also supporting the development of rural regions.

Bohn: Afforestation programmes in areas with naturally low tree cover, – for instance those aimed at generating carbon credits – can, however, damage local ecosystems. This can happen when original biodiversity is reduced, wetlands dry out, and water flow into rivers is altered.

Bastos: Despite these recent findings, there is still uncertainty when it comes to assessing the regional impact of such measures. That’s why ground-based data, combined with satellite missions, is crucial – especially in tropical and semi-arid regions.

The study is also being promoted by a consultancy agency that specialises in sustainability. With what aim?

Bohn: The agency, BAM! Bock auf Morgen, was founded in 2022 as a spin-off from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). Since then, the team has been advising companies, NGOs and local authorities on a holistic sustainability transformation that goes far beyond just energy and CO₂. After all, the way we talk about transformation is crucial – marketing is probably just as important as the content itself if real change is to succeed. 

Original title of the publication in Biogeosciences: “Reviews and syntheses: Current perspectives on biosphere research 2024–2025 – eight findings from ecology, sociology, and economics”, DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2551

Auf dem Bild ist Prof. Dr. Ana Bastos vor Pflanzen zu sehen.
Eine Porträtaufnahme von Dr. Friedrich Bohnvor einer Glastür.