Assessing the Risk of Climate Change – Developing Strategies for Adaptation and Mitigation

Climate Change and its effects on temperature and precipitation distribution as well as atmospheric CO2 concentration already have a significant impact on cultivation reliability and conditions for special crops, on material cycles in soils and ecosystems, and on the planning and management of urban green areas and open spaces. Therefore, it is necessary to develop adaptation strategies for viticulture and horticulture, which are in the center of our research activities. We are working on strategies to meet future water demands and to control (new) pests. As part of our research, we are also examining the effects of changed climatic conditions on yield, quality, content and flavor of grapes and horticultural products. In addition, we are developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) in agriculture and to evaluate these reductions with regard to their CO2 compensation as part of a sustainability assessment. Another key area of our research activities concentrates on the effects of climate change on steep slope viticulture, also in view of promoting cultivated landscapes, enhancing biodiversity and, as a result, improving ecosystem services.