Category Archives: Biodiversity

Biodiversity x Climate: Swiss community meets IPBES and the IPCC

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At this one-day event, you will get insights on and discuss about relevant topics at the nexus of biodiversity and climate change. Various representatives from the international Science-Policy Interfaces IPBES and the IPCC will be present to share their experience of working in such an environment. The event seeks to connect the two communities, nationally as well as internationally, in order to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange. More about this event

Location: Gurten Pavillon; Gurtenkulm 10, 3084 Wabern bei Bern

How Alpine Plants use Chemicals for Communication and Why this can be relevant for Conservation

Response Doctoral Program

Most insects that interact with plants have preferences for certain chemical components in the material they consume. In the case of insect herbivores and pollinators, both groups often need specific nutrients, or the avoidance of compounds that are toxic for them. As a consequence, they have evolved preferences or aversions to specific plant compounds, which guide their foraging for food sources.

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How Alpine Plants use Chemicals for Communication and Why this can be relevant for Conservation

Response Doctoral Program

Most insects that interact with plants have preferences for certain chemical components in the material they consume. In the case of insect herbivores and pollinators, both groups often need specific nutrients, or the avoidance of compounds that are toxic for them. As a consequence, they have evolved preferences or aversions to specific plant compounds, which guide their foraging for food sources.

Continue reading How Alpine Plants use Chemicals for Communication and Why this can be relevant for Conservation

Translating science into action and engage in biodiversity policy-making

In view of biodiversity loss, it is important that early-career researchers get involved not only in science but also contribute to biodiversity policy. The Blue-Green Biodiversity research initiative of Eawag and WSL organised a workshop to facilitate cooperation between science, practice and politics.

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Landscape Diversity Begets Landscape Functioning -Relevance for policy implementation

Response Doctoral Program

It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for – the whole thing – rather than just one or two stars. – David Attenborough

When we think about ecological diversity, our minds often jump to different species of plants and animals. But what if there is more to this story? Diversity extends beyond genes, plants, and animals—it is also about the variety of ecosystems in the landscapes around us (Fig. 1). Imagine a patchwork quilt of croplands, forests, grasslands, wetlands and meadows. Could this mosaic be the key to a healthier, more resilient environment? Do these diverse ecosystems, working together, contribute to the overall balance of our landscapes on a grander scale?

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Buchweizen als wertvolle Pflanze auf dem Feld – SRF Radiosendung

Response Doctoral Program

Warum wird in der Schweiz so wenig Buchweizen angebaut? SRF-1-Foodexpertin Esther Kern hat sich darüber in der Sendung ┬½À point – Wissen aus der Küche auf den Punkt gebracht┬╗ mit RESPONSE Fellow Fabian Hess unterhalten. Als Doktorand an der ETH untersucht er über hundert Buchweizen-Sorten für den Anbau in der Schweiz.

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New Course Offer – Capacity Building Workshop on Effective Science-Policy Collaboration in Biodiversity Management

Are you interested in biodiversity management and conservation at the global, national, cantonal, and municipal level? Are you interested in how integrating scientific research results into the decision-making process and engaging at the science and policy interface successfully? If yes, join our upcoming science and policy workshop.

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Die ökologischen und ökonomischen Konsequenzen des Klimawandels in den Alpen

Maria Vorkauf, Universität Basel

Oberhalb der natürlichen Baumgrenze schreitet der Klimawandel besonders schnell voran. Wie schnell zeigen die Ergebnisse meiner Forschungsarbeit: Zwischen den Jahren 1985 und 2019 rückte das Datum der Schneeschmelze mit 2.8 Tagen pro Jahrzehnt vor und mit ungebremsten Treibhausgasemissionen wird sich dieser Prozess beschleunigen. Bis zum Ende des 21. Jahrhunderts wird die Vegetationsperiode für alpine Pflanzen rund einen Monat früher beginnen.

Welche ökonomischen Folgen hat der Klimawandel?

Aufgrund der Klimaszenarien für die Schweiz habe ich für das Skigebiet ┬½Andermatt+Sedrun+Disentis┬╗ analysiert, wie sich die Verfügbarkeit von Schnee während des 21. Jahrhunderts verändern wird. Ein besonderer Fokus lag auf der Menge an Wasser, die das Skigebiet in Zukunft aufwenden muss, um rentabel zu bleiben.

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