Report on the ERC Synergy Grant Project Investigating Past Arctic Greenhouse Climate States

Introduction

Nature Reviews Earth & Environment conducted an interview with Jochen Knies from UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, regarding their project focused on resolving past Arctic greenhouse climate states. This research aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, life below water, and life on land.

Project Overview

The project, funded by an ERC Synergy Grant, aims to enhance understanding of historic Arctic climate conditions during greenhouse periods. Insights gained from this research are critical for informing current climate models and strategies for sustainable environmental management.

Research Objectives

1. Investigate past Arctic greenhouse climate states to understand historical climate variability.
2. Provide data to improve predictive climate models relevant to the Arctic region.
3. Support global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts by informing policy and conservation strategies.

Significance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This research project contributes significantly to the following SDGs:

• SDG 13: Climate Action – By studying past climate states, the project supports enhanced climate change understanding and adaptation strategies.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – Arctic climate changes affect marine ecosystems; understanding these changes aids in protecting marine biodiversity.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The project informs conservation efforts for Arctic terrestrial ecosystems impacted by climate variability.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The ERC Synergy Grant exemplifies international collaboration in scientific research to address global challenges.

Access and Publication Details

• The article detailing this project is published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.
• Access options include institutional access, subscription, or individual purchase.
• Published on 26 June 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s43017-025-00699-2.

Authors and Affiliations

• Jochen Knies – UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
• Clare Davis – Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.

Conclusion

The ERC Synergy Grant project led by Jochen Knies represents a vital contribution to understanding Arctic climate history, directly supporting global Sustainable Development Goals through enhanced scientific knowledge and international cooperation. This research underpins efforts to address climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems in the Arctic and beyond.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article focuses on investigating past Arctic greenhouse climate states, which is directly related to understanding climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – Arctic climate states affect marine ecosystems and oceanic conditions, linking to the goal of conserving and sustainably using the oceans.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The Arctic environment and terrestrial ecosystems are influenced by climate conditions, relevant to protecting terrestrial ecosystems.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The article mentions an ERC Synergy Grant project, indicating scientific research and innovation efforts to resolve climate questions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

• SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 13 – Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
• SDG 14 – Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
• SDG 15 – Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
• SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including encouraging innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
• Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula.
• Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
• Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
• Implied Indicator: Scientific data and findings from the Arctic greenhouse climate states project can serve as indicators for understanding climate trends and impacts.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nature.com