topic Research

The Environment and Sustainability

"What we need first and foremost in Germany is more enthusiasm for the opportunities provided by new technologies. But it is also true to say that: The acquisition of knowledge, progress in the field of know-how and the early evaluation of acquired knowledge all belong together in the interest of the people and are of equal value. One must also consider the ethical aspects of protecting human life as well as aspects of consumer safety or the preservation of our natural environment." The BMBF is therefore providing a total of 800 million euro to fund partnerships for innovation between science and industry which face up to this challenge.

In order to ensure the sustainable use of our home planet's resources, we need to know more about the effects of industrial societies and the world-wide increase in consumption on the system earth. Atmospheric pollution, the greenhouse effect, ocean currents which are relevant to the climate, and the polar ice masses are just as important indicators as the deforestation of the rainforests and the resulting changes.

Findings, such as the causes of climate change, have played a decisive role in making the concept of sustainability a significant economic factor in the industrial sector. Whether it be in the field of health, agriculture, forestry, production, in the distribution and use of goods, in the transport sector or in the production and use of energy - everywhere attempts are being made to derive a greater benefit for all people with a far smaller impact on the environment. Measures to increase resource productivity are thus encouraging innovations and environmental protection.

www.fona.de - Inform, Network, Present

The fona-Internet site is a comprehensive information platform on sustainability research. It offers stakeholders, interested parties and the media the latest news, comprehensive background information on research activities and available services as well as opportunities for networking and establishing contacts with experts.

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  topic Research

  Economics for Sustainability

  The economic sciences are departing from their model world and facing up to the real challenges of globalization, socio-demographic change and the need for ecological modernization. Concrete solutions for tackling these challenges of the future will be developed under the funding priority "Economics for Sustainability".
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/4815.php)
   
  
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  topic Research

  Polar Research: Tracking Climate Processes

  The polar regions are the climatic chambers of the Earth. Exchanges between ocean, ice and atmosphere provide important information on climate changes. Mathematical models for a reliable interpretation of the data are still lacking. Research in the Arctic and Antarctic is therefore of major importance for our understanding of the climate.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/2647.php)
   
  
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  topic Hightech Strategy

  Research for Sustainable Development

  Biodiversity loss, energy problems, scarce resources and climate change as well as the resulting social impact are challenges which are all closely interrelated both at local and at global level. We therefore need an integrated conceptual research approach which includes all important aspects - economic, ecological and social ones - together in order to prevent solving one problem at the expense of another.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/2559.php)
   
  
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  topic Research

  The Earth System

  The earth, the planet on which we live, is highly sensitive. It is being constantly subjected to changes which interact in a complex system. What fundamental processes influence the climate and what role does mankind play in all of this? Answers to these and other questions can only be provided when the "earth system" has been studied and understood. BMBF funding programmes are supporting this research.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/917.php)
   
  
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  topic Research

  Social-Ecological Research

  What has to happen to make consumers use their knowledge on sustainable consumption in their everyday shopping habits? Does the withdrawal of the public sector from the fields of water, electricity and gas supply harbour risks with regard to social justice and environmental protection, or does it open up more scope for sustainable action? Can bio-fuel become a synonym for societal progress, dynamism and learning processes? How do measures to manage CO2 affect the functions of the ecosystems of European cultural landscapes?
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/972.php)