The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 and define the global objectives for sustainable development to be achieved by all countries by 2030.
With our SDG Sponsorship Program, we want to highlight those at TU Braunschweig who are actively and concretely working towards these goals every single day. Today, we would like to introduce Dr. Matthias Beyer, who leads the junior research group Water Isotopes Soil–Plant–Atmosphere at the Institute of Geoecology. He is committed to Goal 13 and answered a few of our questions.
How does your work relate to this SDG?
Forests are one of the most important pillars of climate protection. They can live perfectly well without us—but we would be lost without trees. In our research, we broadly study the water cycle in trees: Where do trees get their water? How much water do they consume? How much carbon do they store in return? How much groundwater is recharged under forests?
All these parameters are shifting due to changing climatic conditions. Currently, we don’t fully understand what this means for forests—every tree species is different and adapts differently. In my group, we aim to develop innovative methods to explore these dynamics and identify possible future development paths. In several projects, we study both forest ecosystems and urban tree sites. We are also engaged in technology transfer to actively contribute to climate protection.
What motivated you to engage with this SDG?
No matter where you look, disasters are increasing—too dry, too wet, too hot. The effects of climate change are already being felt around the globe. As a scientist, you often find yourself in a rather “passive” role. We do research and highlight the consequences through our studies, but we rarely see practical change as a result of our work. That can be frustrating!
That’s why I want to get more involved—to contribute directly at practical and political levels.
Is your work connected to other SDGs?
SDG 13 is very closely connected to SDG 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation”, SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being”, SDG 4 “Quality Education”, SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, and SDG 15 “Life on Land”.
Which three phrases do you associate with this SDG?
Reduce emissions!
Strengthen the planet’s green lungs!
Raise awareness!