Biochemical and biophysical effects of land cover change (LCC)

Almut and former team members published the study "Non-radiative effects dominate the local surface temperature response to land-cover change - Insights from a semi-empirical model" in the Journal of Environmental Management. It presents a simplified approach developed by Benjamin and Lorenz to examine how changes in land cover, such as deforestation and afforestation, impact local surface temperatures. ​

The study emphasizes the significant role of non-radiative (biophysical) effects—such as changes in heat fluxes due to vegetation alterations—in influencing local temperatures. These findings highlight the importance of considering both biophysical and biochemical effects in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.