The investigation of the environment and its change is of essential significance for our understanding of life, living conditions and their development on earth. One of the core competencies for sustainability in the 21^st century is the understanding of the continuous evolution of the system earth as well as the awareness of the consequences of human behavior on the quality of life on our planet.

The scientists at the Department of Environmental Sciences (DUW) investigate the complex interactions of biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere. A comprehensive understanding of the current state of the environment including the role of humans is as important as knowledge on the variety of processes in earth and human history. Furthermore, developments in the future and concrete recommendations for action regarding environmentally friendly approaches are an important part of the research at the DUW. Numerous Bachelor, Master, and PhD students work on innovative and interdisciplinary research projects, whereat new findings are conveyed both to the students in teaching and to the public.