Changing climate

Tackling man-made climate change is one of the greatest social challenges of our time. Since industrialization, humans have been changing the composition of the Earth's atmosphere by releasing greenhouse gases and thus contributing to global warming. In order to avert a further significant increase in the damage caused by climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must be massively reduced in the coming years - to so-called “net zero”. To achieve this, greenhouse gases must also be removed from the atmosphere and stored permanently and harmlessly. In order to counter the effects of climate change, effective adaptation strategies for climate resilience must be developed and implemented in addition to ambitious climate protection programs.

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.