RU2-Contributions to UFZ-initiative “From Planterary Boundaries und Planetary Solutions“
Under the umbrella “From Planetary Boundaries to Planetary Solutions” UFZ fosters its strategic vision of contributing to inter- and transdisciplinary solutions for our planet. The concept of planetary boundaries defines a number of critical processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the Earth at global scales. It remains unclear whether planetary or regional boundaries are more important and whether tipping points exist (e.g. hysteresis). Regardless of the existence of planetary boundaries more and more people call for solutions. We face the challenge that lies in where to intervene (planetary, regional, local), how to intervene (political, economic incentives, individual behaviour) and what defines the success of approaches.
With our research in the field of Water Resources and Environment we develop integrative system understanding as well as solutions. Activities in RU2 with regard to this initiative can be grouped into "Workshops" & "Close collaboration with Guests and Fellowships".
Workshops - 2025
Ralf Merz, Larisa Tarasova et al., CATHYD
Synopsis Elucidate the potential of Arizona State University’s (ASU) decision theatre approach in the context of Helmholtz Water Initiative and UFZ
Follow-up ASU & Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology (MPI-GEA) are partner in SOLVE. Commitment to develop prototype and commonly apply for additional funding for implementation.
Daniel Graeber, ASAM & Norbert Kamjunke, FLOEK
Synopsis Elaborate DOM composition as a driver of nutrient cycling and gas emissions
Follow-up Review paper
Seifeddine Jomaa et al., ASAM
Synopsis Addressing the “Mediterranean Paradox”: a region under severe water stress yet one of the world’s leading testing grounds for water management innovation
Follow-up Position paper
Julia Pasqualini et al., FLOEK
Synopsis Future restoration strategies for stream and river ecosystems under changing climate conditions
Follow-up Perspective paper
Larisa Tarasova et al., CATHYD
Synopsis Bring together the hazard and impact perspectives of droughts to understand the awareness of society of groundwater droughts and investigate pathways for early-warning of impacts
Follow-up Finalizing two manuscripts
Nuria Perujo, FLOEK, Laura Soares, SEEFO & Jan Fleckenstein, HDG
Synopsis Understanding the processes and time scales of nutrient retention, cycling and export
Follow-up Perspective paper
Fellows and Guests - 2025
hosted by Dietrich Borchardt, ASAM / Andreas Musolff, HDG
Topic Strengthen existing cooperation and expanding with new themes and persons
Outcome joint manuscripts on existing themes, ‘Small lakes repository’ and ‘Ecological state of river water in Europe’ as new themes
hosted by Larisa Tarasova, CATHYD
Topic Research paper ‘Future extreme flood generation processes in the Alps’ (ETH/SLF, UFZ)
Outcome Research paper
hosted by Larisa Tarasova, CATHYD
Topic Changes in flood generation processes in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa
Outcome Paper manuscript
hosted by Larisa Tarasova, CATHYD
Topic Evolution of flood generation processes in the past, present and future
Outcome Perspective paper (UFZ, AWI, GFZ, Uni Memphis)
hosted by Markus Weitere, FLOEK
Topic Global principles in aquatic ecology and their safeguarding under global change from experimental perspective, promotion of young scientists (discussion of own work)
Outcome Reciprocal visit of Fussmann lab and field mesocosms in May 2026 (ASLO Montreal)
hosted by Markus Weitere, FLOEK
Topic Global principles in aquatic ecology and their safeguarding under global change from theoretical perspective, promotion of young scientists (discussion of own work)
hosted by Christian Schmidt, HDG & Ilona Bärlund, TB2
Topic Recognizing the scale and identifying ways to fill the global ambient water quality gap, presentation and interaction during the IP Freshwaters annual retreat