Ecosystems: Land, Water and Air (ELWA)

ELWA Study Area Leader: Martin Dovciak

All major components of our environment - land, water, and air - have been affected in pervasive and complex ways by the intensifying resource use of the growing human population. Resulting global and regional changes in climate, material flows and biogeochemical cycles, disturbance regimes, and biodiversity loss have detrimental effects on the very ecosystem services that support local communities, national economies, and overall human well-being. To help restore ecosystem functions and address the negative interactions and feedback loops between human society, environment, and ecosystems, we have assembled a large group of scientists across multiple disciplines who address these critical issues. GPES students in this Study Area integrate multidisciplinary approaches by working with faculty experts to contribute better understanding and novel solutions relevant to society-environment-ecosystem interactions.

Examples of the tools and concepts that are commonly used in Ecosystems: Land, Water and Atmosphere Study Area include: