It refers to them as "Laboratories for Adaptations" to difficult environmental conditions which, particularly with climate change, are now increasingly important. Short summaries of scientific studies illustrate the challenges and potential solutions from regions in Africa, Eurasia and America.
The projects featured focus on the inhabitants of mountain regions. For example, in one study German researchers explain the impact which the fall of the Iron Curtain has had on the agricultural landscape in the Carpathians, resulting in rapid and drastic changes in the economic and societal structures. Another example: Mount Kenya in east Africa acts as a water tower for a vast area of land - what would happen if the snow reserves were to melt as a result of climate change? It is question which Swiss scientists are looking to answer together with local researchers. The 13 other articles address similar issues.
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