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Making Connections for Our Changing Mountains
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Dear MRI Community,
From presenting at the “Cryosphere and related hazards in High Mountain Asia in a changing climate” conference in Almaty, Kazakhstan to hosting a successful General Meeting and releasing a Policy Brief in observance of the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022, GEO Mountains, an MRI Flagship Activity, has maintained an active programme over recent weeks. Perhaps most importantly of all, at the 18th Plenary of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in Accra, Ghana, GEO Mountains’ Implementation Plan for the period 2023–2025 was formally approved!
This outcome recognises the recent achievements of the network to date – which include the release of two data inventories, the publication of several peer-reviewed papers, and hosting and contributing to numerous workshops, conferences, and other activities that brought the community together to address urgent issues related to mountain data and information for assessments, decision-making, and endeavors to better understand and predict processes (such as elevation-dependent climate change).
On a related theme, a key decision adopted by the Parties at the recent UN climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh (UNFCCC COP27) emphasises the need to address systematic observation gaps, including in mountain regions and concerning the cryosphere. This development is a great testament to the efforts of many individuals and institutions, including from across the mountain research community, who have helped to substantiate these observation and associated knowledge gaps, for instance in recent IPCC assessment reports. We welcome the calls made at COP27 associated with this decision to enhance the coordination of activities of the systematic observation community, and to improve our collective ability to provide useful and actionable data and information – crucial goals towards which both GEO Mountains and the MRI are continually striving.
Throughout 2023 and beyond, GEO Mountains will continue to welcome new participants and encourage the discussion and development of new ideas. Indeed, we will likely be able to make some modest funding contributions to community activities that focus on the monitoring of climate change, impacts, and adaptations in the mountains of the Andes, East Africa, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Further details of the scheme will be communicated shortly, but in the meantime please get in touch if you have any such activities either ongoing or planned!
On behalf of the GEO Mountains leadership team, we sincerely thank those of you who have contributed your time and expertise to GEO Mountains so generously to date. We are confident that as we continue to mobilize and grow the network, we will be able to deliver a greater quantity and breadth of impactful outputs that respond to various needs. To that end, we look forward to continuing to coordinate and serve the network and wider community.
Wishing you an enjoyable read!
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Last month, SIPRI presented its new flagship report, Environment of Peace, at an event titled “Environment of Peace: Security in a New Era of Risk.” The event brought a stellar group of scholars and leaders to Geneva, Switzerland, and included presentations by H.E. Margot Wallström, former Minister of Sweden, EU Environment Commissioner and Chair of the report’s High-Level Advisory Panel, and University of Geneva professor and MRI Chair Jörg Balsiger, who served on the Panel as the environmental governance expert nominated by the Swiss government.
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As the impacts of the climate crisis in mountains are felt across borders - answers and adaptation efforts should be transboundary. Learn more about regional governance in mountain ranges on the new www.mountains-connect.org webspace! The space was developed by the University of Geneva (led by MRI Chair Jörg Balsiger) and supported by the MRI, UNEP, and other partners. It features a fantastic set of videos of the governance dimensions, a Tamlar Range Governance Simulation, and more!
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This MRI-funded synthesis workshop on very-high-resolution remote sensing of treeline ecotones and alpine vegetation took place from 18 - 22 July 2022 in Kochel am See at the northern edge of the Alps in Germany. The workshop was organised by the Philipps University, Marburg, Germany, and the University of Turku, Finland with the support of the Mountain Research Initiative. It included a partially hybrid format to enable online access to the presentations and some of the discussions. Read the summary.
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A new paper rethinks mountain water security, calling for a better understanding of the complex interaction between glacial meltwater and coupled human-natural systems. The paper, co-authored by MRI Co-PI Christian Huggel, also calls for a refocusing from glacio-hydrological monitoring and modelling to a more integrated social-ecological perspective of the wider catchment hydrology.
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The MRI is pleased to announce this 2023 Synthesis Workshop organized by researchers from ETH Zurich - Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Utrecht University, and Dalhousie University. Preceding the European Geosciences Union General Assembly (EGU), this MRI Synthesis Workshop will bring together the mountain water and cryosphere research communities to explore cryosphere-groundwater interactions at various spatial and temporal scales. Apply before 31 January 2023.
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With new mountain events added regularly, don't forget to check out our online calendar.
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GEO Mountains News & Events
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Observations play a key role in tracking mountain global change and its impacts, understanding the various processes and feedback mechanisms involved, and delivering more reliable projections of the future to society. This Policy Brief provides an overview of the current state of multi-disciplinary mountain observations. It represents a contribution of the Global Network on Observations and Information in Mountain Environments (GEO Mountains) to the observance of the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022. Read the Policy Brief.
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On 28 November, GEO Mountains held its second General Meeting of 2022. The meeting sought to present an assessment of progress achieved during the 2020–2022 Implementation Plan period, as well as to communicate the scope and priorities of the Initiative over the 2023–2025 period. Read the outcomes and slides from the meeting.
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SoilTemp is a global network building a database of microclimate time series and associated biodiversity data for use in ecology. GEO Mountains is supporting this initiative to increase the global coverage of microclimate monitoring in mountain regions across the globe. Check it out!
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Further GEO Mountains news and relevant events can be found on the GEO Mountains website.
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Conéctate A+ News, Events & Opportunities
Cluster of Cooperation in the Tropical Andes and Central America Region
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Anthropogenic climate change has important consequences for the health of the planet’s ecosystems and for human beings. Understanding the interconnection between the two processes of change is relevant not only to be able to propose comprehensive responses, but above all to understand the systemic and interdependent functioning of socio-ecosystems. Conéctate A+, conducted a literature review to better understand how the links between climate change, biodiversity, and health have been studied in the Tropical Andes region and Central America.
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We enjoyed making connections during this online “meet and greet” side event. Important message for Conéctate A+ members - the key to 2023 funding is eligibility. Partnering with the IAI TD teams is an excellent opportunity to connect with eligible groups. View the recording and don't miss your chance to start collaborating to access this funding!
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1-8 December 2022 | Online
The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), a Conéctate A+ associate partner organization, has organized three post-COP27 webinars for the Americas. The goal of the sessions is to discuss among scientists, government representatives, journalists, and civil society, among others, the takeaway messages and the challenges and opportunities offered by COP27 to the Americas. English-Spanish interpretation will be provided.
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26 - 30 June 2023 | Panama City, Panama & Online
The Sustainability Research & Innovation (SRI) Congress is the world’s largest transdisciplinary gathering for the global sustainability community. MRI grants will be available for Conéctate A+ members to attend this conference, prioritising those that have sessions or presentations confirmed in the SRI2023 programme. Submit a proposal by 21 December 2022.
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The Early-Career Grant of the University of St. Gallen's Leading House for the Latin American Region specifically targets emerging researchers (PostDocs and PhD students). It allows for the integration of the next generation of scientists in international collaboration, helps to build new networks through personal contacts and mutual trust, and makes partnerships more sustainable. Submission deadline: 31 January 2023.
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New UNESCO data highlight the accelerated melting of glaciers in World Heritage sites, with glaciers in a third of sites set to disappear by 2050. But it is still possible to save the other two-thirds, if the rise in global temperatures does not exceed 1.5°C compared to the pre-industrial period. Read the story.
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60 experts reviewed the report, which holds harsh news for the cryosphere, but also opportunities to slow losses and damages. Read the summary including mountain-specific updates.
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Researchers from ETH Zurich are studying how alpine vegetation is responding to a warming climate – and how some plant communities are continuing to stand firm against newcomers from lower elevations.
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In this issue, four studies from Italy, France, and Cyprus examine how the production of Mediterranean mountain food specialties—cheese, beef, and wine—can support sustainable development in the producing regions.
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Check out two new issues of the Journal of Mountain Science, Volume 19, Issue 10 and Issue 11.
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This list, updated each month, contains articles relevant to mountain research that you won't want to miss!
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The EGU General Assembly 2023 brings together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, especially early career researchers, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geoscience. Submit an abstract by 10 January 2023.
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In this online dialogue, MRD authors will discuss their findings on these issues with Indigenous representatives, practitioners, and the audience to explore innovative conservation practices centered on Indigenous and local knowledge. Register by 5 December 2022.
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ICAM 2023
19-23 June 2023 | St. Gallen, Switzerland and Online
Join the 36th International Conference on Alpine Meteorology. Papers are invited on all aspects of mountain weather and climate. Oral sessions will be held as a hybrid event from 19 to 23 June 2023. The fully online Poster Session will take place on 27 June 2023. Abstract submission deadline: 16 December 2022.
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The third Caucasus Mountain Forum “Transdisciplinarity for Sustainable Tourism Development: Role of Caucasus Scientists” will be devoted to tourism development perspectives and challenges in the region. CMF3 will offer a combination of plenary sessions open to the public, research sessions, workshops, and poster sessions. Abstracts are due by 15 January 2023.
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The objective of the MOOC is to train a wider community on the impact and use of Machine Learning in numerical weather and climate predictions. It brings together experts throughout Member and Co-operating States and beyond to provide a shared vision across the communities of Earth system sciences, high-performance computing and Machine Learning.
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Have an idea for a blog post or mountain news to share?
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This Mountain Research and Development (MRD) focus issue will contribute to a better understanding of restoration in mountains by including critical reviews of concepts and approaches that address conditions, practices, challenges, and opportunities for integrated recovery and restoration of mountain landscapes, biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultures.
Extended deadline: 2 December 2022
As interest and discussion grow around the potential of Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Water, PLOS Climate and PLOS Water are calling for submissions for a new Collection to build the evidence and critical perspectives needed to support, enhance and challenge decision-making.
Submission deadline: 13 December 2022
To help build a strong and openly accessible evidence base for decision-making, PLOS Climate and PLOS Global Public Health are calling for submissions for a new Collection on Climate Change and Human Health. Submissions of research that addresses all aspects of the intersection between climate and health are welcome.
Submission deadline: 13 January 2023
With this focus issue, the Mountain Research and Development (MRD) aims to contribute to a better understanding of migration trends, drivers, and impacts in mountain areas. In particular, MRD is looking for papers that examine how governance and development initiatives can strengthen the benefits of migration and reduce its drawbacks in terms of sustainable development.
Email a short notice of intent by 15 January 2023
Submit your full paper by 1 April 2023
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Check out the MRI website for a full list of open calls and publication opportunities.
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This program provides scholarships at The Ohio State University's Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center for postdoctoral researchers with superior academic backgrounds who are pursuing advanced research on topics relevant to polar and alpine environments as well as global climate change.
Application deadline: 13 January 2023
The Polar Access Fund should enable young researchers to undertake a (first) field trip to a polar region (or a remote high-altitude area). The research conducted during the field trip must be inserted into an existing overarching project (e.g. to enlarge its scope or for comparisons) and be related to the issue of climate change. Funding of up to 20’000 CHF can be granted per successfully evaluated proposal.
Submission deadline pre-proposals: 18 January 2023, 12:00 CET
This SNIS Call offers project grants for pluri-disciplinary teams working on international studies. The SNIS supports pluri-disciplinary projects in the social sciences and pluri-disciplinary projects that combine natural and social sciences. Projects must run for two years, and funding can range from 100,000 to 300,000 Swiss francs.
Submission deadline: 18 January 2023, 13:00 CET
The Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D) programme invites researchers and development actors from policy and practice to collaborate in transnational and transdisciplinary consortia and provide new insights and innovative approaches to reduce poverty and to implement the 2030 Agenda in developing countries. The SOR4D programme is open to all disciplines from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health and life sciences.
Pre-proposal submission deadline: 13 February 2023, 17:00 CET
Leading House (LH) Africa, in conjunction with the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), are calling for applications for the PhD Graduate Programme from organizers of Seasonal Schools in Swiss Institutions of Higher Education. The goal of this instrument is to promote research cooperation between Swiss and African PhD students of Higher Education Institutions in Seasonal School.
Submission deadline: 28 February 2023
The National Geographic Society offers grant opportunities at various entry points to provide a dynamic pathway to join their community and engage. The program funds individuals working on projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology that align with one or more of their focus areas: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human History and Culture, Human Ingenuity.
Deadline Level I and Level II Grant proposal submissions: 12 April 2023, 23:59 EDT
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For a full list of open funding opportunities, please see our website.
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Centro de Tecnologías Ambientales (CETAM), Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria (UTFSM), Valparaíso, Chile
The CETAM is looking for PhD and postdoctoral scholarship candidates to work on "Interactions between environmental compartments and their impact on the Andean ecohydrosphere under climate change condition". Desired profile: researchers oriented towards Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Engineering, with desirable knowledge and experience in the implementation and management of instrumental analytical techniques who want to be part of a multidisciplinary and international team of research and project development. Application deadline: 15 December 2022.
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A regularly updated compilation of mountain job opportunities can be found on our website.
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