Division 4 - Natural and Built Environment
The Division 4 'Natural and Built Environment' stands for science and knowledge for society and the environment. Social and natural processes are observed and shaped, in particular the ecological and socio-economic consequences of the earth in change. This division combines research, teaching and innovation of the Institutes of architecture, civil engineering, geo and environmental sciences as well as meteorology and climate sciences and performs synergies. The scientists aim for local, regional and global solutions for a livable, natural and built environment contributing to a sustainable and thus future ready society. Teaching and acadamic affairs of the division are organized in the two KIT departments of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Geo- and Environmental Sciences, and the mission-based large-scale research is managed in the Helmholtz program "Changing Earth-Sustaining our Future". Since October 01, 2020, Professor Dr. Johannes Orphal has been Head of Division 4.
Science and knowledge for society and the environment

Fossil CO2 emissions have decreased more than ever before. However atmospheric CO2 concentrations continue to rise.
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Scientists to evaluate local methane sources in the North Sea with high-resolution modeling.
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Study in PNAS: Revised, post-2020 Biodiversity Targets Will Have to Consider Global Warming.
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Import of Millions of Tons of Cereal and Meat Every Year Undermines EU Agricultural Standards – Damage to the Environment Is Outsourced.
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KIT researcher talks about the effects of the crisis on air pollution over China. Significant decrease observed in spring 2020.
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Federal Ministry for the Environment funds AI lighthouse project "Nitrate Monitoring 4.0" for the reduction of nitrate in groundwater.
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Use of Nitrogen Fertilizers in Agriculture Causes an Increase in Nitrous Oxide Concentration in the Atmosphere – Comprehensive Study with KIT Participation in Nature.
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Interdisciplinary KIT institution presents activities from 2017 to 2020 dissemination of Covid-19 current topic.
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KIT - Member of the Consortium Schneefernerhaus
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Contributions to sustainable urban development
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Earth System Knowledge Platform (ESKP)
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