One class simulates climate change
Class 4d is researching two scenarios of global warming in two greenhouses at the Rychenberg Cantonal School. The project requires a lot of work, but it also brings joy.
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–Six schoolgirls in class 4d are happy about the visible results in the warmer greenhouse. The sunflowers on the frequently watered side already reach the ceiling after two months.
Photo: Manuel Rey
Due to climate change, the temperature will rise globally by around six degrees Celsius by 2085. If the Paris climate agreement is adhered to, it will still be three degrees. This is shown by a study by Meteo Schweiz and ETH. How will this affect our plants and the environment? Two greenhouses in the middle of the garden of the Rychenberg canton school are supposed to provide answers. Klimagarten 2085 is the name of the project organized by ETH that aims to simulate climate change.
The greenhouses are heated to three and six degrees Celsius, respectively. In addition to temperature, watering is also a factor. In the two greenhouses, the same plants are grown on the left as well as on the right: corn, beans, sunflowers, soy, wheat, potatoes and strawberries. However, the two sides do not receive the same amount of water. The left-hand bed is watered three times a week, the right-hand bed only twice. This is intended to simulate different precipitation scenarios.
