The newly founded Leibniz research initiative “Integrated Earth System Research” brings together institutions of the Leibniz Association to investigate the Anthropocene – an Earth age shaped by humans – in an interdisciplinary way. Together, current and future challenges to the human-nature relationship are analyzed.
The increasing influence of humankind on the Earth system leads us today to speak of an Anthropocene. Global warming, pollution of the oceans and the decline of biodiversity are visible signs of such an Anthropocene and confront us with challenges of civilization-historical importance. Last but not least, it also means an increase in intra-state and inter-state conflicts.
In order to meet these challenges, scientists of the Leibniz Association have founded the initiative “Integrated Earth System Research”, which brings together interdisciplinary knowledge and aims to develop solutions for and with politics, industry and civil society.
Experts from the fields of climate, biodiversity and ocean research, as well as global economic, spatial and international peace and conflict researchers are involved. In this cooperation, PRIF contributes to the questions of the regulation of international environmental crises as well as to the analysis of conflicts, whose causes are partly due to changes in the Earth system.
About the Research Network
Leibniz Institutes, Centers and Research Museums from different disciplines have joined forces to form the Leibniz Research Network “Integrated Earth System Research” (iESF). The network sets itself the task of gaining knowledge about the Earth system that is relevant for action by society. Above all, the planetary boundaries of the Earth system are to be determined as well as sustainable development paths derived from them. To this end, the network develops innovative foundations for integrated Earth system research.
Leibniz Research Networks are dedicated to a special focus topic or a key technology. The aim is to bundle, exchange and further develop the specialist and methodological-technical competencies of the participating Leibniz Institutions and to make them visible to the outside world. Leibniz Research Networks are established by the Leibniz Presidium upon proposal from the Leibniz Association.