On 19 March 2024, Germany’s Federal Environment Minister appointed 16 scientists to the newly established Wissenschaftlicher Beirat für Natürlichen Klimaschutz (WBNK) to provide independent scientific advice to the federal government on natural climate protection and support implementation of the Aktionsprogramm Natürlicher Klimaschutz (ANK).
Among the appointed experts is Mariele Evers, Prof. Dr. and UNESCO Chair in Human‑Water Systems at the University of Bonn. In this advisory capacity, Prof. Dr. Evers contributes her expertise in eco‑hydrology, water resources management and human‑water systems to help shape scientific recommendations that connect ecosystem protection with climate policy.
The WBNK serves as an interdisciplinary scientific body advising the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) on how to maximize the climate mitigation and adaptation potential of natural and near‑natural ecosystems. These include forests, floodplains, peatlands, soils, waters, coastal areas and urban green spaces. The advisory board’s work encompasses evaluation of the 69 measures within the ANK and suggestions for their future development.
Prof. Dr. Evers’ role within the board highlights the importance of integrated water‑climate perspectives in shaping natural climate action. Her research on hydrological extremes, river basin management and sustainable water governance brings valuable insight to assessments of ecosystem functions such as carbon storage, water retention and biodiversity support.
The ANK, introduced by the federal government to link climate protection with biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and climate performance while addressing climate impacts such as floods and droughts. Given the interconnected challenges of climate change and ecosystem degradation, Prof. Dr. Evers’ participation strengthens the evidence base guiding policy and implementation of nature‑based solutions in Germany.
Her appointment underscores the growing role of science‑policy collaboration in advancing natural climate protection — ensuring that decisions reflect both ecological complexity and practical relevance.