

The mission: biodegradable plastics
Life as we live it would be impossible without plastics. But with their persistence, plastics are an enormous burden on the environment. Helmholtz researchers are working to resolve this conflict by searching for enzymes that break down plastic waste. A further goal is to bid farewell to oil by developing biodegradable plastics.


Calculating the carbon footprint of publications
Research is rarely climate-neutral. Jens Eisert of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has now developed an idea for making the greenhouse gas emissions behind a publication visible.


Plastic-eating bacteria
Researchers are looking for bacteria that can digest plastics, and for ways to exploit this capability. Could that solve our plastic problem?


Thinking together what belongs together: biodiversity and climate
Preserving biodiversity is of fundamental importance for climate protection and vice versa. How can the two be brought together?


Prospects for penguins in times of climate change
Climate scientists believe that another strong El Niño could occur this year. Penguins may also be affected by the consequences.