The climate crisis is not just some abstract scenario that will happen sometime in the future – its effects are already being felt worldwide. At TU Dresden, scientists from a number of disciplines are researching ways to achieve greater sustainability, lower emissions and reduce resource consumption. Researchers are also delving into solutions to mitigate the consequences of climate change – both locally and globally.

Climate change is particularly visible when it comes to water: The extremes – drought and flooding – are becoming more frequent. These are some of the key research areas of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. Scientists are researching the adaptation of our natural and urban water systems with the aim of making them more resilient and reducing the negative effects of weather extremes and pollution.

The drought of the recent years has left its mark on our forests: Entire spruce populations have fallen victim to the bark beetle, and storms and forest fires have caused extensive damage. Forest scientists at TUD are researching how forests can become more robust in times of climate change and how they can be effectively restructured.

The polar regions are an early warning system for climate change, where its effects are particularly evident. Global warming is causing the ice sheets to melt at an alarming rate. On their expeditions to Antarctica and Greenland, TU Dresden’s geodesists measure how they change and what interactions they have with the oceans and the Earth. The most recent research voyage with the Polarstern led to East Antarctica and to Gaussberg.

Our waste has enormous potential in the fight against climate change. The use of recycled materials can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save valuable resources. TUD scientists are researching improved recycling processes and waste prevention strategies. The aim is to achieve a holistic circular economy.

How can mobility be made clean and safe? What measures are effective in reducing greenhouse gases and emissions caused by transportation? Researchers at the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences are working on new concepts to reliably bring people from A to B in a climate-friendly way, anytime and anywhere.