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.

• 

  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)
   
  
• 

  topic Ministry

  03.05.2007

  Climate Research Summit

  Federal Research Minister Dr. Annette Schavan invited high-ranking representatives from industry, science, and politics to a national climate research summit to Hamburg. The goal is to close ranks between industry and science.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/8186.php)
   
  
• 

  topic Hightech Strategy

  Framework Programme - Research for Sustainability

  The concept of sustainable development is becoming an increasingly important competitive factor in the industrial sector. It is not merely by chance that Germany is world leader in exports of environmental protection goods, ahead of the United States and Japan. In 2004, Germany produced goods worth 55 billion euro to protect the environment and the climate. This accounted for over 5% of overall industrial production. In 2003, a total of 3.3% of Germany's overall R&D expenditure was in the field of environmental protection. This shows that German expenditure in this sector is well above the OECD and EU average.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/2559.php)
   
  
• 

  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)
   
  
• 

  topic Research

  Socio-ecological research

  How can one persuade consumers to make use of their knowledge about sustainable nutrition in their everyday shopping patterns? Does the withdrawal of the public sector from the fields of water, electricity and gas supply entail risks with regard to social justice and environmental protection, or does it open up greater scope for sustainable action? What ecological, social, cultural and economic risks does the continuous penetration of everyday life with I&C technologies entail, for example nation-wide mobile telephone networks, or the use of smart identification tags (RFID)? How can the forthcoming renovation of post-war housing estates meet the needs of both ecology and tenants in times of empty public coffers?
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/972.php)