State secures long-term funding for climate research projects

Climate impact researchers at the University of Giessen and the University of Geisenheim can breathe easy. The Ministry of Agriculture is promising long-term financial support for their work in the so-called FACE projects. The abbreviation stands for Free Air CO₂ Enrichment. In this case, crops receive more carbon dioxide than they can absorb from the air. Plants need it for photosynthesis, where they convert the greenhouse gas and water into sugar as food under the influence of sunlight and release oxygen into the environment.

The country's commitment is important not only in view of this hot summer and the persistent drought with its disadvantages for large parts of the harvest and for vegetation in general. Long-term research series such as those in Central Hesse and the Rheingau require continuity. With this year's support, the country wants to contribute to this continuity. In addition, through its long-term commitment, the ministry takes away the uncertainty that has arisen in recent months due to the difficult budget situation for researchers. That's a good thing.

In the test facility at the University of Gießen in Linden, researchers have been collecting a lot of data for 30 years - a wealth of experience that is unique in the world. This work is not just for basic research - today's agriculture can benefit from the findings. Only: Without further state subsidies, this data series would end. In view of climate change, no responsible politician can want that. State money is also important for another reason: it serves as leverage for researchers. Without basic funding, they would not be able to raise third-party funds. Over the years, researchers have raised a double-digit million sum for the facility in Linden alone.

And their work has an international impact. The Liebig Center, the first United Nations institute at a German university, has been located on the site for over a year. It connects international scientists to find solutions for food security for the world's population in the face of the consequences of climate change. Winegrowers and farmers involved in vegetable cultivation also need such solutions.