Changing coasts

Economic activities are increasing rapidly, particularly in marine and coastal areas. Their importance for the supply of food, raw materials and energy and as a transportation route, among other things, is constantly growing. Under the influence of massively increasing use and the consequences of climate change, the world's coastal systems are at risk of developing ever faster into an ecologically critical condition. These changes must be made predictable for current scenarios and the protection and management of the global coasts must be made more sustainable.

At the Helmholtz Centre Hereon, climate and coastal research, materials research and technology development come together in a unique interdisciplinary approach. These disciplines are dedicated to holistic and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable and resilient development. In order to understand complex systems such as the world's coasts and their interactions with technologies and people, the methods range from observations, experimental studies to the development of digital twins.

In addition, products, dialogue formats and services are developed to support decision-makers from politics, business and society in adaptation measures and to enable sustainable use of the coasts.