The German Climate Research Programme DEKLIM

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched a new climate research programme. DEKLIM, the German climate research programme pursues the following objectives. • To improve understanding of the climate system and possible human infl uences on it. • To reduce uncertainties in analysis and forecasting. • To derive strategies for dealing with climate change (adaptation and mitigation). DEKLIM’s major aims are to increase integration of German research in the international assessment of climate development and to provide basic know-how and guidance in the fi eld of practical climate protection measures. DEKLIM research activities started in 2001 with a runtime of up to 5 years. More than 100 individual projects co-operate in 37 joint projects, forming 4 major areas of research. DEKLIM also offers young scientists an opportunity to gain experience in heading research groups or in interdisciplinary co-operation. The fi nancial volume of all DEKLIM projects amounts to 37 million $. DEKLIM primarily supports larger integrated interdisciplinary networks. Research topics range from the examination of tree rings to satellite-based observation of land use changes, from climate simulation using numerical models to the development of strategies for sustainability of a rainforest margin area. Selected spokespersons guarantee intensive communication, co-ordination and co-operation amongst the following 4 areas of research (Fig. 1):