70 years of climate research in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: a look back and forward
70 years of climate research in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: a look back and forward
The Campus Alpin of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen recently held the celebrations for its 70th anniversary. This long -standing research institution is an important player in climate research and contributes to coping with global environmental problems. The ceremony illustrated the close connection of the institution to the region and its influence on environmental research.
from modest beginnings to international importance
began in 1954 with a small research center in a converted sheepfold in Farchant. The first "Physikalisch-Bioklimatic Research Center" was home to only two people-Dr. Reinhold Reiter and an employee. Your measurements on radioactivity and other important environmental data laid the foundation for today's research. Since then, the institute, which became part of the Fraunhofer Society in 1962, has developed considerably and today has around 200 people from 20 different countries.
research for a sustainable future
The institute has devoted itself over the decades of different environmentally relevant topics. In the 1960s and 1970s, research focused on air pollution, followed by the consequences of the acid rain and the associated forest death. This research has led to the development of new air pollutants and caused numerous positive changes. At the moment, one is devoted to researching the ozone hole and the atmospheric composition.
Scientific cooperation and innovation
Prof. Dr. Hape Schmid, who has headed the institute since 2007, emphasizes how important research is for global and regional environmental challenges. "We observe, analyze, model and predict the most important life functions of our planet," he explains. The researchers work with partners worldwide to gain more comprehensive knowledge that benefit not only science, but also the community.
celebrations and outlook
The anniversary celebration was smaller than originally planned due to the renovation of the old building. Festner such as Prof. Johannes Orphal, District Administrator Anton Speer and the Mayor Elisabeth Koch estimated the achievements of the Alpin campus and emphasized his role in regional and global cooperation in climate research. Despite the reduced celebrations, the team celebrated the 70th anniversary with a summer festival that strengthens the community and cohesion within the institute.
conclusion: the region and its research institution
The longstanding history and the continued development of the Alpin campus show how important committed research institutions are to master the challenges of time. Your work not only has national, but also international relevance by not only examining the effects of climate change, but also developing practical solutions. Due to the constant evolution and adaptation to new environmental issues, the Alpin campus remains a load-bearing pillar for sustainability in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and beyond.