Showing papers by "Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ published in 2017"
University of Oldenburg1, University of Vienna2, University College London3, Zoological Society of London4, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources5, Lincoln University (New Zealand)6, Free University of Berlin7, Leibniz Association8, University of Auckland9, Charles University in Prague10, Stellenbosch University11, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic12, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens13, University of Fribourg14, University of Sassari15, University of Porto16, Sapienza University of Rome17, Durham University18, University of Konstanz19, University of Concepción20, Charles Darwin Foundation21, CABI22, University of Göttingen23, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg24, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ25, United States Forest Service26, Bielefeld University27, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland28, Environment Agency29, National Museum of Natural History30, Institut national de la recherche agronomique31, University of Silesia in Katowice32
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a database of 45,813 first records of 16,926 established alien species and showed that the annual rate of first records worldwide has increased during the last 200 years, with 37% of all first records reported most recently (1970-2014).
Abstract: Although research on human-mediated exchanges of species has substantially intensified during the last centuries, we know surprisingly little about temporal dynamics of alien species accumulations across regions and taxa. Using a novel database of 45,813 first records of 16,926 established alien species, we show that the annual rate of first records worldwide has increased during the last 200 years, with 37% of all first records reported most recently (1970-2014). Inter-continental and inter-taxonomic variation can be largely attributed to the diaspora of European settlers in the nineteenth century and to the acceleration in trade in the twentieth century. For all taxonomic groups, the increase in numbers of alien species does not show any sign of saturation and most taxa even show increases in the rate of first records over time. This highlights that past efforts to mitigate invasions have not been effective enough to keep up with increasing globalization.
1,301 citations
University of the Basque Country1, University of Cambridge2, National Autonomous University of Mexico3, University of Córdoba (Spain)4, Corvinus University of Budapest5, University of Southern Denmark6, University of Gothenburg7, University of East Anglia8, Lund University9, University of Kiel10, United Nations11, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ12, University of Khartoum13, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology14, University of Washington15, University of Oxford16, Ministry of Forestry17, University College Dublin18, National University of Cordoba19, Carthage University20, University of Chile21, Harvard University22, Norwegian University of Life Sciences23, University of Pretoria24, University of Antwerp25, Wetlands International26, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro27, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources28, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research29, University of Western Australia30, National University of General Sarmiento31, Calcutta Institute of Engineering and Management32, European Commission33, Government of Canada34, Finnish Environment Institute35, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro36, International Institute of Minnesota37, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro38, Victoria University of Wellington39, Indian Institute of Forest Management40, University of Tokyo41
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the rationale for the inclusive valuation of nature's contributions to people (NCP) in decision making, as well as broad methodological steps for doing so, and argue that transformative practices aiming at sustainable futures would benefit from embracing such diversity, which require recognizing and addressing power relationships across stakeholder groups that hold different values on human nature-relations and NCP.
985 citations
TL;DR: A global compilation of data on plastic debris in the water column across a wide range of river sizes finds that plastic debris loads, both microplastic and macroplastic, are positively related to the mismanaged plastic waste (MMPW) generated in the river catchments.
Abstract: A substantial fraction of marine plastic debris originates from land-based sources and rivers potentially act as a major transport pathway for all sizes of plastic debris. We analyzed a global compilation of data on plastic debris in the water column across a wide range of river sizes. Plastic debris loads, both microplastic (particles 5 mm) are positively related to the mismanaged plastic waste (MMPW) generated in the river catchments. This relationship is nonlinear where large rivers with population-rich catchments delivering a disproportionately higher fraction of MMPW into the sea. The 10 top-ranked rivers transport 88–95% of the global load into the sea. Using MMPW as a predictor we calculate the global plastic debris inputs form rivers into the sea to range between 0.41 and 4 × 106 t/y. Due to the limited amount of data high uncertainties were expected and ultimately confirmed. The empirical analysis to quantify plastic loads in rivers can be extended easily by a...
785 citations
TL;DR: The physical interactions of early microbial colonization on plastic surfaces and their reciprocal influence on the weathering processes and vertical transport as well as sorption and release of contaminants by MP are reviewed.
Abstract: In the aquatic environment, microplastic (MP; <5 mm) is a cause of concern because of its persistence and potential adverse effects on biota. Studies of microlitter impacts are mostly based on virgin and spherical polymer particles as model MP. However, in pelagic and benthic environments, surfaces are always colonized by microorganisms forming so-called biofilms. The influence of such biofilms on the fate and potential effects of MP is not understood well. Here, we review the physical interactions of early microbial colonization on plastic surfaces and their reciprocal influence on the weathering processes and vertical transport as well as sorption and release of contaminants by MP. Possible ecological consequences of biofilm formation on MP, such as trophic transfer of MP particles and potential adverse effects of MP, are virtually unknown. However, evidence is accumulating that the biofilm−plastic interactions have the capacity to influence the fate and impacts of MP by modifying the physical propertie...
772 citations
Utrecht University1, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research2, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ3, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research4, University of Paris5, University of Jena6, Imperial College London7, University of Groningen8, Oklahoma State University–Stillwater9, Nanjing University10, Nanjing Agricultural University11, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences12
TL;DR: An ecological overview of the rare microbial biosphere is provided, including causes of rarity and the impacts of rare species on ecosystem functioning, and how rare species can have a preponderant role for local biodiversity and species turnover with rarity potentially bound to phylogenetically conserved features is discussed.
Abstract: Rare species are increasingly recognized as crucial, yet vulnerable components of Earth’s ecosystems. This is also true for microbial communities, which are typically composed of a high number of relatively rare species. Recent studies have demonstrated that rare species can have an over-proportional role in biogeochemical cycles and may be a hidden driver of microbiome function. In this review, we provide an ecological overview of the rare microbial biosphere, including causes of rarity and the impacts of rare species on ecosystem functioning. We discuss how rare species can have a preponderant role for local biodiversity and species turnover with rarity potentially bound to phylogenetically conserved features. Rare microbes may therefore be overlooked keystone species regulating the functioning of host-associated, terrestrial and aquatic environments. We conclude this review with recommendations to guide scientists interested in investigating this rapidly emerging research area.
690 citations
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ1, Finnish Environment Institute2, James Hutton Institute3, European Centre for Nature Conservation4, Humboldt University of Berlin5, Wageningen University and Research Centre6, University of Antwerp7, Szent István University8, Polish Academy of Sciences9, Estonian University of Life Sciences10, University of Grenoble11
TL;DR: To realise their full potential, NBS must be developed by including the experience of all relevant stakeholders such that 'solutions' contribute to achieving all dimensions of sustainability.
677 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors comprehensively analyse the diversity within and between the three concepts of Circular Economy, Green Economy and Bioeconomy, and find that, for what concerns environmental sustainability, Green economy acts as an ‘umbrella’ concept, including elements from Circular economy and bioeconomy concepts, as well as additional ideas, e.g. nature-based solutions.
614 citations
Vienna University of Technology1, University of Potsdam2, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute3, University of Messina4, University of Split5, University of Padua6, University of Zagreb7, University of Bologna8, University of Naples Federico II9, Polytechnic University of Turin10, Moscow State University11, Dokuz Eylül University12, University of Bath13, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava14, Finnish Environment Institute15, Czech Hydrometeorological Institute16, University of Liverpool17, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy18, Technical University of Madrid19, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ20, ETH Zurich21, Maynooth University22, Polish Academy of Sciences23, ODESSA24, University of Ljubljana25, Roma Tre University26, Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate27, Polytechnic University of Tirana28, University of Belgrade29
TL;DR: Analysis of the timing of river floods in Europe over the past 50 years found clear patterns of changes in flood timing that can be ascribed to climate effects, and highlights the existence of a clear climate signal in flood observations at the continental scale.
Abstract: A warming climate is expected to have an impact on the magnitude and timing of river floods; however, no consistent large-scale climate change signal in observed flood magnitudes has been identified so far. We analyzed the timing of river floods in Europe over the past five decades, using a pan-European database from 4262 observational hydrometric stations, and found clear patterns of change in flood timing. Warmer temperatures have led to earlier spring snowmelt floods throughout northeastern Europe; delayed winter storms associated with polar warming have led to later winter floods around the North Sea and some sectors of the Mediterranean coast; and earlier soil moisture maxima have led to earlier winter floods in western Europe. Our results highlight the existence of a clear climate signal in flood observations at the continental scale.
557 citations
TL;DR: A rapid search in PubMed shows that using "flow cytometry immunology" as a search term yields more than 68 000 articles, the first of which is not about lymphocytes as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The marriage between immunology and cytometry is one of the most stable and productive in the recent history of science. A rapid search in PubMed shows that, as of July 2017, using “flow cytometry immunology” as a search term yields more than 68 000 articles, the first of which, interestingly, is not about lymphocytes. It might be stated that, after a short engagement, the exchange of the wedding rings between immunology and cytometry officially occurred when the idea to link fluorochromes to monoclonal antibodies came about. After this, recognizing different types of cells became relatively easy and feasible not only by using a simple fluorescence microscope, but also by a complex and sometimes esoteric instrument, the flow cytometer that is able to count hundreds of cells in a single second, and can provide repetitive results in a tireless manner. Given this, the possibility to analyse immune phenotypes in a variety of clinical conditions has changed the use of the flow cytometer, which was incidentally invented in the late 1960s to measure cellular DNA by using intercalating dyes, such as ethidium bromide. The epidemics of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s then gave a dramatic impulse to the technology of counting specific cells, since it became clear that the quantification of the number of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells was crucial to follow the course of the infection, and eventually for monitoring the therapy. As a consequence, the development of flow cytometers that had to be easy-to-use in all clinical laboratories helped to widely disseminate this technology. Nowadays, it is rare to find an immunological paper or read a conference abstract in which the authors did not use flow cytometry as the main tool to dissect the immune system and identify its fine and complex functions. Of note, recent developments have created the sophisticated technology of mass cytometry, which is able to simultaneously identify dozens of molecules at the single cell level and allows us to better understand the complexity and beauty of the immune system.
454 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that the closing of existing gaps in functional knowledge should be addressed by a most-wanted gene list, the development and application of molecular and cellular high-throughput measurements, theDevelopment and sensible use of experimental models, as well as the direct study of observable molecular effects in the human host.
388 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, a soft weight sharing method was proposed to achieve competitive compression rates by using a version of soft weight-sharing (Nowlan & Hinton, 1992), which achieves both quantization and pruning in one simple (re-)training procedure.
Abstract: The success of deep learning in numerous application domains created the de- sire to run and train them on mobile devices. This however, conflicts with their computationally, memory and energy intense nature, leading to a growing interest in compression. Recent work by Han et al. (2015a) propose a pipeline that involves retraining, pruning and quantization of neural network weights, obtaining state-of-the-art compression rates. In this paper, we show that competitive compression rates can be achieved by using a version of soft weight-sharing (Nowlan & Hinton, 1992). Our method achieves both quantization and pruning in one simple (re-)training procedure. This point of view also exposes the relation between compression and the minimum description length (MDL) principle.
TL;DR: The effects of microplastic microfarms on the marine environment are well understood in terms of time scales for fragmentation and degradation, the evolution of particle morphology and properties, and hazards of the chemical mixture liberated by weathering as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Plastic in the global oceans fulfills two of the three conditions for pollution to pose a planetary boundary threat because it is causing planetary-scale exposure that is not readily reversible. Plastic is a planetary boundary threat if it is having a currently unrecognized disruptive effect on a vital Earth system process. Discovering possible unknown effects is likely to be aided by achieving a fuller understanding of the environmental fate of plastic. Weathering of plastic generates microplastic, releases chemical additives, and likely also produces nanoplastic and chemical fragments cleaved from the polymer backbone. However, weathering of plastic in the marine environment is not well understood in terms of time scales for fragmentation and degradation, the evolution of particle morphology and properties, and hazards of the chemical mixture liberated by weathering. Biofilms that form and grow on plastic affect weathering, vertical transport, toxicity, and uptake of plastic by marine organisms and have...
Posted Content•
TL;DR: This work argues that the most principled and effective way to attack the problem of compression and computational efficiency in deep learning is by adopting a Bayesian point of view, where through sparsity inducing priors the authors prune large parts of the network.
Abstract: Compression and computational efficiency in deep learning have become a problem of great significance In this work, we argue that the most principled and effective way to attack this problem is by adopting a Bayesian point of view, where through sparsity inducing priors we prune large parts of the network We introduce two novelties in this paper: 1) we use hierarchical priors to prune nodes instead of individual weights, and 2) we use the posterior uncertainties to determine the optimal fixed point precision to encode the weights Both factors significantly contribute to achieving the state of the art in terms of compression rates, while still staying competitive with methods designed to optimize for speed or energy efficiency
Forschungszentrum Jülich1, Wageningen University and Research Centre2, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences3, University of Sydney4, Argonne National Laboratory5, Agricultural Research Service6, University of Arizona7, Hungarian Academy of Sciences8, University of Pannonia9, University of Reading10, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ11, Tianjin University12
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the existing PTFs and new generation of PTF developed in the different disciplines of Earth system science is presented, emphasizing that PTF development has to go hand in hand with suitable extrapolation and upscaling techniques such that the PTF models correctly represent the spatial heterogeneity of soils.
Abstract: Soil, through its various functions, plays a vital role in the Earth's ecosystems and provides multiple ecosystem services to humanity. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are simple to complex knowledge rules that relate available soil information to soil properties and variables that are needed to parameterize soil processes. In this paper, we review the existing PTFs and document the new generation of PTFs developed in the different disciplines of Earth system science. To meet the methodological challenges for a successful application in Earth system modeling, we emphasize that PTF development has to go hand in hand with suitable extrapolation and upscaling techniques such that the PTFs correctly represent the spatial heterogeneity of soils. PTFs should encompass the variability of the estimated soil property or process, in such a way that the estimation of parameters allows for validation and can also confidently provide for extrapolation and upscaling purposes capturing the spatial variation in soils. Most actively pursued recent developments are related to parameterizations of solute transport, heat exchange, soil respiration and organic carbon content, root density and vegetation water uptake. Further challenges are to be addressed in parameterization of soil erosivity and land use change impacts at multiple scales. We argue that a comprehensive set of PTFs can be applied throughout a wide range of disciplines of Earth system science, with emphasis on land surface models. Novel sensing techniques provide a true breakthrough for this, yet further improvements are necessary for methods to deal with uncertainty and to validate applications at global scale.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a framework, MoHuB (Modelling Human Behavior), to facilitate a broader inclusion of theories on human decision-making in formal natural resource management models.
Humboldt University of Berlin1, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ2, Stockholm Resilience Centre3, Autonomous University of Barcelona4, Technical University of Berlin5, Erasmus University Rotterdam6, University of Pennsylvania7, University of Łódź8, Leibniz Association9, Technische Universität München10, Dresden University of Technology11
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reflect on the current debate of the social effects of greening using selected examples and discuss what trade-offs between social and ecological developments in cities mean for the future debate on greening cities and a socially balanced and inclusive way of developing our cities for various groups of urban dwellers.
Technische Universität München1, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ2, University of Jena3, University of Bern4, Humboldt University of Berlin5, Institut national de la recherche agronomique6, ETH Zurich7, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research8, Max Planck Society9, University of Oldenburg10, Radboud University Nijmegen11, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology12, University of Lyon13, Centre national de la recherche scientifique14, University of Montpellier15, Wageningen University and Research Centre16, University of Zurich17, University of Tübingen18, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières19, University of Münster20, University of Freiburg21, University of Göttingen22, University of Kassel23, Leipzig University24
TL;DR: The results from the Jena Experiment provide further evidence that diversity begets stability, for example stability against invasion of plant species, but unexpectedly some results also suggested the opposite, e.g. when plant communities experience severe perturbations or elevated resource availability.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors synthesize the growing body of literature on ecosystem services relationships and identify the following four main study objectives: identification and characterization of co-occurrences of ES, identification of drivers that shape ES relationships, exploration of biophysical constraints of landscapes and limitations to their multifunctionality, and support of environmental planning, management and policy decisions.
Abstract: Ecosystem services (ES), the benefits that humans obtain from nature, are of great importance for human well-being. The challenge of meeting the growing human demands for natural resources while sustaining essential ecosystem functions and resilience requires an in-depth understanding of the complex relationships between ES. These conflicting (‘trade-offs’) or synergistic (‘synergies’) relationships mean that changes in one ES can cause changes in other ES. By synthesizing the growing body of literature on ES relationships, we identified the following four main study objectives: (i) the identification and characterization of co-occurrences of ES, (ii) the identification of drivers that shape ES relationships, (iii) the exploration of biophysical constraints of landscapes and limitations to their multifunctionality, and (iv) the support of environmental planning, management and policy decisions. For each of these objectives we here describe the key concepts, including viewpoints of different disciplines, and highlight the major challenges that need to be addressed. We identified three cross-cutting themes being relevant to all four main types of studies. To help guiding researchers towards more systematic analyses of ES trade-offs and synergies, we conclude with an outlook on suggested future research priorities.
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ1, RWTH Aachen University2, Stockholm University3, Norwegian Institute for Water Research4, Öko-Institut5, United States Environmental Protection Agency6, James I University7, Environment Canada8, Masaryk University9, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology10, Radboud University Nijmegen11, Fraunhofer Society12, University of Koblenz and Landau13, Environment Agency14, Wageningen University and Research Centre15, Utrecht University16, VU University Amsterdam17
TL;DR: 10 recommendations to improve monitoring and to strengthen comprehensive prioritization, to foster consistent assessment and to support solution-oriented management of surface waters are given.
Proceedings Article•
01 Jan 2017TL;DR: In this article, the authors use hierarchical priors to prune nodes instead of individual weights, and use the posterior uncertainties to determine the optimal fixed point precision to encode the weights.
Abstract: Compression and computational efficiency in deep learning have become a problem of great significance. In this work, we argue that the most principled and effective way to attack this problem is by adopting a Bayesian point of view, where through sparsity inducing priors we prune large parts of the network. We introduce two novelties in this paper: 1) we use hierarchical priors to prune nodes instead of individual weights, and 2) we use the posterior uncertainties to determine the optimal fixed point precision to encode the weights. Both factors significantly contribute to achieving the state of the art in terms of compression rates, while still staying competitive with methods designed to optimize for speed or energy efficiency.
TL;DR: A systematic and comprehensive literature review of all ecosystem functions in oil palm plantations, including several (genetic, medicinal and ornamental resources, information functions) not included in previous systematic reviews, finds thatOil palm plantations generally have reduced ecosystem functioning compared to forests.
Abstract: Oil palm plantations have expanded rapidly in recent decades. This large-scale land-use change has had great ecological, economic, and social impacts on both the areas converted to oil palm and their surroundings. However, research on the impacts of oil palm cultivation is scattered and patchy, and no clear overview exists. We address this gap through a systematic and comprehensive literature review of all ecosystem functions in oil palm plantations, including several (genetic, medicinal and ornamental resources, information functions) not included in previous systematic reviews. We compare ecosystem functions in oil palm plantations to those in forests, as the conversion of forest to oil palm is prevalent in the tropics. We find that oil palm plantations generally have reduced ecosystem functioning compared to forests: 11 out of 14 ecosystem functions show a net decrease in level of function. Some functions show decreases with potentially irreversible global impacts (e.g. reductions in gas and climate regulation, habitat and nursery functions, genetic resources, medicinal resources, and information functions). The most serious impacts occur when forest is cleared to establish new plantations, and immediately afterwards, especially on peat soils. To variable degrees, specific plantation management measures can prevent or reduce losses of some ecosystem functions (e.g. avoid illegal land clearing via fire, avoid draining of peat, use of integrated pest management, use of cover crops, mulch, and compost) and we highlight synergistic mitigation measures that can improve multiple ecosystem functions simultaneously. The only ecosystem function which increases in oil palm plantations is, unsurprisingly, the production of marketable goods. Our review highlights numerous research gaps. In particular, there are significant gaps with respect to socio-cultural information functions. Further, there is a need for more empirical data on the importance of spatial and temporal scales, such as differences among plantations in different environments, of different sizes, and of different ages, as our review has identified examples where ecosystem functions vary spatially and temporally. Finally, more research is needed on developing management practices that can offset the losses of ecosystem functions. Our findings should stimulate research to address the identified gaps, and provide a foundation for more systematic research and discussion on ways to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive impacts of oil palm cultivation.
University of South Florida1, Spanish National Research Council2, Austrian Academy of Sciences3, University of Tübingen4, Technische Universität München5, University Medical Center Groningen6, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ7, Leipzig University8, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg9, University of Marburg10, University of Jyväskylä11, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic12, Institut de recherche pour le développement13, University of Vienna14, Santa Fe Institute15, University of Freiburg16
TL;DR: Understanding the significance of epigenetics for plant ecology requires increased transfer of knowledge and methods from model species research to genomes of evolutionarily divergent species, and examination of responses to complex natural environments at a more mechanistic level.
Abstract: Growing evidence shows that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to complex traits, with implications across many fields of biology. In plant ecology, recent studies have attempted to merge ecological experiments with epigenetic analyses to elucidate the contribution of epigenetics to plant phenotypes, stress responses, adaptation to habitat, and range distributions. While there has been some progress in revealing the role of epigenetics in ecological processes, studies with non-model species have so far been limited to describing broad patterns based on anonymous markers of DNA methylation. In contrast, studies with model species have benefited from powerful genomic resources, which contribute to a more mechanistic understanding but have limited ecological realism. Understanding the significance of epigenetics for plant ecology requires increased transfer of knowledge and methods from model species research to genomes of evolutionarily divergent species, and examination of responses to complex natural environments at a more mechanistic level. This requires transforming genomics tools specifically for studying non-model species, which is challenging given the large and often polyploid genomes of plants. Collaboration among molecular geneticists, ecologists and bioinformaticians promises to enhance our understanding of the mutual links between genome function and ecological processes.
Lüneburg University1, Arizona State University2, Monash University3, University of Waterloo4, Trinity College, Dublin5, University of Manchester6, University of Luxembourg7, Erasmus University Rotterdam8, Lund University9, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology10, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ11, ETH Zurich12, Clark University13, Tellus Institute14
TL;DR: In this article, a tentative evaluation scheme for sustainability transitions is presented, in a tentative form, drawing on evaluative research and sustainability transitions scholarship, alongside insights from empirical cases.
TL;DR: It is shown that most human decision sub-models are not explicitly based on a specific theory and if so they are mostly based on economic theories, such as the rational actor, and mainly ignoring other relevant disciplines.
Abstract: Recent reviews stated that the complex and context-dependent nature of human decision-making resulted in ad-hoc representations of human decision in agent-based land use change models (LUCC ABMs) and that these representations are often not explicitly grounded in theory. However, a systematic survey on the characteristics (e.g. uncertainty, adaptation, learning, interactions and heterogeneities of agents) of representing human decision-making in LUCC ABMs is missing. Therefore, the aim of this study is to inform this debate by reviewing 134 LUCC ABM papers. We show that most human decision sub-models are not explicitly based on a specific theory and if so they are mostly based on economic theories, such as the rational actor, and mainly ignoring other relevant disciplines. Consolidating and enlarging the theoretical basis for modelling human decision-making may be achieved by using a structural framework for modellers, re-using published decision models, learning from other disciplines and fostering collaboration with social scientists. Review on human decisions in agent-based models of land use change.Most human decision models are not based on theory.Used theories are mainly from economics and not from psychology.A framework to guide modellers how to implement human decision is needed.
Leipzig University1, Max Planck Society2, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation3, University of Cambridge4, University of Bern5, University of Freiburg6, Ghent University7, Spanish National Research Council8, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg9, Université du Québec à Montréal10, Institut national de la recherche agronomique11, Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava12, University of Florence13, University of Liège14, University of Warsaw15, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven16, Forest Research Institute17, Los Alamos National Laboratory18, ETH Zurich19, University of Zurich20, University of Montpellier21, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ22, Royal Holloway, University of London23, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences24, Uppsala University25, Democritus University of Thrace26, University of Copenhagen27, University of Gothenburg28, University of Alcalá29, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna30, Université du Québec31, Massachusetts Institute of Technology32
TL;DR: There is a tendency for stronger B-EF relations in drier climates as well as in areas with longer growing seasons and more functionally diverse tree species, suggesting that as water limitation increases under climate change, biodiversity may become even more important to support high levels of functioning in European forests.
Abstract: The importance of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functioning is generally well accepted. However, most evidence comes from small-scale studies, and scaling-up patterns of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (B-EF) remains challenging, in part because the importance of environmental factors in shaping B-EF relations is poorly understood. Using a forest research platform in which 26 ecosystem functions were measured along gradients of tree species richness in six regions across Europe, we investigated the extent and the potential drivers of context dependency of B-EF relations. Despite considerable variation in species richness effects across the continent, we found a tendency for stronger B-EF relations in drier climates as well as in areas with longer growing seasons and more functionally diverse tree species. The importance of water availability in driving context dependency suggests that as water limitation increases under climate change, biodiversity may become even more important to support high levels of functioning in European forests.
TL;DR: It is found that many of the practices that constitute ecological intensification can contribute to mitigating the drivers of pollinator decline, and ways to promote it in agricultural policy and practice are discussed.
Abstract: Worldwide, human appropriation of ecosystems is disrupting plant–pollinator communities and pollination function through habitat conversion and landscape homogenisation. Conversion to agriculture is destroying and degrading semi-natural ecosystems while conventional land-use intensification (e.g. industrial management of large-scale monocultures with high chemical inputs) homogenises landscape structure and quality. Together, these anthropogenic processes reduce the connectivity of populations and erode floral and nesting resources to undermine pollinator abundance and diversity, and ultimately pollination services. Ecological intensification of agriculture represents a strategic alternative to ameliorate these drivers of pollinator decline while supporting sustainable food production, by promoting biodiversity beneficial to agricultural production through management practices such as intercropping, crop rotations, farm-level diversification and reduced agrochemical use. We critically evaluate its potential to address and reverse the land use and management trends currently degrading pollinator communities and potentially causing widespread pollination deficits. We find that many of the practices that constitute ecological intensification can contribute to mitigating the drivers of pollinator decline. Our findings support ecological intensification as a solution to pollinator declines, and we discuss ways to promote it in agricultural policy and practice.
TL;DR: The diversity in hydrologic models has historically led to great controversy on the "correct" approach to process-based hydrology modeling, with debates centered on the adequacy of process parameterizations, data limitations and uncertainty, and computational constraints on model analysis as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The diversity in hydrologic models has historically led to great controversy on the "correct" approach to process-based hydrologic modeling, with debates centered on the adequacy of process parameterizations, data limitations and uncertainty, and computational constraints on model analysis. In this paper, we revisit key modeling challenges on requirements to (1) define suitable model equations, (2) define adequate model parameters, and (3) cope with limitations in computing power. We outline the historical modeling challenges, provide examples of modeling advances that address these challenges, and define outstanding research needs. We illustrate how modeling advances have been made by groups using models of different type and complexity, and we argue for the need to more effectively use our diversity of modeling approaches in order to advance our collective quest for physically realistic hydrologic models.
Instituto Superior Técnico1, Harvard University2, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg3, University of Porto4, Higher University of San Andrés5, Zoological Society of London6, United States Geological Survey7, American Museum of Natural History8, The Lodge9, University of Hamburg10, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ11, University of Toulouse12, University of Lisbon13, Butterfly Conservation14
TL;DR: In this article, the authors classify sources of primary observations into four types: extensive and intensive monitoring schemes, ecological field studies and satellite remote sensing, and demonstrate the links between data sources, EBVs and indicators and discuss how different sources of biodiversity observations can be harnessed to inform EBVs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify three key governance challenges that are central for implementing the sustainable development goals: cultivating collective action by creating inclusive decision spaces for stakeholder interaction across multiple sectors and scales; making difficult trade-offs, focusing on equity, justice and fairness; and ensuring mechanisms exist to hold societal actors to account regarding decision-making, investment, action, and outcomes.
TL;DR: In this article, a framework to identify, map and assess ES bundles from a supply-demand approach to inform landscape planning and management is proposed, which is applied to the Barcelona metropolitan region, Spain.
Abstract: A key challenge of landscape planning and management is coping with multiple ecosystem service (ES) potentials and needs in complex social-ecological systems such as urban regions. However, few studies have analyzed both the supply and demand sides of ES bundles, i.e., sets of associated ES that repeatedly appear together across time or space. This paper advances a framework to identify, map and assess ES bundles from a supply-demand approach to inform landscape planning and management. The framework is applied to the Barcelona metropolitan region, Spain, covering five ES and using eleven spatial indicators. Each indicator was quantified and mapped at the municipal level (n = 164) combining different proxy- and process-based models. Our results show significant associations among ES, both at the supply and demand sides. Further, we identified five distinct ES supply-demand bundle types and characterized them based on their specific ES relationships and their main underlying social-ecological conditions. From our findings, we contend that land sharing strategies should be prioritized in urban and agricultural areas to increase landscape multifunctionality while assuring the conservation of large periurban forest areas that are critical for delivering a wide range of local ES highly demanded by the urban population.