Human technologies and our comprehension of natural systems have empowered us to adapt, survive, and thrive in densely populated areas. However, this understanding has also fostered a specific cultural and economic approach to the natural system, creating a second nature that could be labeled the Anthropocene lifestyle. In this lifestyle, human actions continuously impact the […]
Ecosystem Participation Läs mer »
Source Photo: Karsten Russ Six years ago, our analysis of German data revealed that we have lost three-quarters of our flying insects in less than 30 years. Recent accounts on wild plants, farmland birds and hoverflies confirm that negative trends continue until today. Our ecosystems are beginning to fall apart. So, what should we be
Nature is an indispensable part of a future that desirable and feasible Läs mer »
Together with MSc and PhD students I have done a lot of research on the effects of (multiple) stressors on ecosystems. These stressors include global warming, drought, salinisation and emerging chemicals like pharmaceuticals, pesticides and nutrients. We found that biodiversity is the way to counter and alleviate the impacts of these stressors on life on
Biodiversity needed to protect life on earth Läs mer »
Science shows that human wellbeing is supported by more than just access to nature. It is about (re)building nature connectedness – a deep relationship of respect, reciprocity and gratefulness to belong to nature as a human species. We are all interconnected to this planet, and the wellbeing of other species is also the well-being of
(Re)building connections with nature Läs mer »
Maintaining rural areas necessarily involves preserving and developing agricultural activities. This is especially true in the Tuscany region of central Italy, where the collective imagination envisions hills and valleys adorned with rows of vines, grapevines, olive groves, husbandry, and centuries-old cypresses. However, even in Tuscany – as is the case throughout Europe – there is
Biocultural conservation of traditional agroforestry systems against land abandonment Läs mer »
I am trained as an architect and urbanist, but currently I am researching soil contamination in Amsterdam. What is an architect doing with soil? Cities are where the majority of the global human population resides. In fact, by 2100, eighty-five percent of us are projected to reside in urban areas. Cities will thus remain the
Soil-Positive Urbanization Läs mer »
Many farmers love nature. They enjoy wildlife when working on their land, they care for the soil and their animals, and they know that they work with and depend on nature. Stewardship is an important value to them. Time and again I find this in my research. Farmers hold the key to restoration of biodiversity
Europe should support farmers to welcome biodiversity Läs mer »
As a scientist who studies atmospheric composition, climate change, and the impact of agricultural practices on nature areas, it is sometimes difficult to take action in response to the alarming signals we see in our research. If I stop visiting trans-continental conferences, does that make a real difference? Should I switch to a vegan diet?
It is only recently that I fully grasped the increasing importance of forests and timber for the European economy: from the wooden furniture in our homes to innovations like wood-based constructions and feedstocks for the bio-economy. Since wood can be a renewable alternative to several conventional materials, the European forestry sector expects an increased demand
Bringing nature back into production forests Läs mer »
We desperately need perspectives for (social, ecologic, economic, climate) robust agricultural practices that contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Most modern agricultural practices are vulnerable to climate change effects. Biodiversity loss and limited genetic crop diversity in our staple foods appear to be underestimated food security and health risks. There is an urge
Food forests for robust agricultural practices Läs mer »
