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What happens in water bodies when the water goes and comes back? Dr. Maria Isabel Arce has shown on a lowland river that after drying up and raining, rivers can release more carbon dioxide and methane.

In the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference, scientific societies in the field of water research once again recommend that the high relevance of inland waters should be better taken into account in the context of climate policy. The scientific findings and data from IGB also prove this urgency.

The populations of all reptile species and almost all amphibian species have declined over the past 120 years. Amphibians are particularly sensitive indicators of the state of our ecosystems. One of the Red List species experts is IGB researcher Matthias Stöck.

July and August brought heavy rain and flooding in some places. More than enough precipitation to make up for the recent dry years, one might think. But it is not that simple! IGB researchers show that groundwater levels and soil moisture remain below normal.

Excessive phosphorus loading lead to the accumulation of this nutrient in water bodies. Lake sediments can retain phosphorus. In laboratory tests, an IGB team has investigated the conditions under which this retention is long-term.

Many of the world's clear lakes are deteriorating at an alarming rate: at the shore, where people want to play and swim, the lake bottom is covered with green carpets of algae.

The IGB is also involved in the Leibniz research network "Integrated Earth System Research". Our competencies on aquatic biodiversity and the role of water bodies in the landscape tie in with pressing challenges such as species loss, land use conflicts and urbanisation.

Rita Adrian has been working as a climate impact expert at IGB for 28 years. Now she is going into retirement – well, almost. In an interview, she explains how she became a limnologist, and why she believes it is right to have a quota for women in science.