Research concept
The research approach of the Center for Climate Resilience is guided by the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary nature required for comprehensive climate resilience research and focuses on the interactions between people, climate, and the environment. We define climate resilience as the reduction of vulnerabilities and the enhancement of resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of the consequences of climate change. Climate resilience goes beyond mere climate adaptation: the interactions of all adaptation measures and their limitations must be taken into account, synergies must be leveraged, and conflicts between individual measures must be avoided.
This concept gives rise to the following research areas at the ZfK:
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Scientific climate research on changes in hydrometeorological risks, ecosystem functions, and soil and water resources.
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Historical climate research
on how past societies dealt with climate- and environment-induced crises.
Human geography and sociology research on climate change-driven socio-ecological transformation and how society can be prepared for the climate future.
Educational research and climate communication regarding the presentation, processing, and impact of climate change-related content in the media and in educational contexts.
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Health services research on the creation and design of climate-resilient health systems.
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Political science research on climate policy and governance in local, national, and international contexts.
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Environmental health research on the interactions between climate change, the environment, and health, such as the rise in infectious diseases, allergies, or heat stress.
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Research on designing a climate-resilient economic and financial system, including in the areas of sustainable supply chains, climate-neutral production processes, and carbon neutrality.
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Legal research on climate resilience, such as the analysis of climate change-related legislative processes and legal considerations.
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