Breathing Nature

Connections between biodiversity, climate and human behaviour

Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Breathing Nature deals with the complex ways in which these two crises interact. These are symbolised by the metaphor of nature breathing: there is a continuous exchange of energy, water, gases and particles between the biosphere and the atmosphere. Human behaviour can be a driver or mitigator of biodiversity and climate change. An interdisciplinary approach encompassing climate, biodiversity and social sciences is being used to effectively address the links between climate change and biodiversity, putting their complex interactions at the heart of the analysis of human behaviour. 

Structures
There are three parts to Breathing Nature: the central research area investigates the links between climate, biodiversity and human activities in an interdisciplinary and cross-scale manner. Field data collection and qualitative and quantitative social science methods are complemented by artificial intelligence, machine learning and a complex modelling and data management system. The second structural element is a platform that provides tools and infrastructure for data collection, data exchange, experimentation, project funding and knowledge synthesis. Thirdly, there are measures relating to teaching, developing talent, diversity, equality, inclusion, and knowledge and technology transfer.