The latest news from Eawag

Green roofs differ from ground-level habitats in terms of biodiversity. This can help to boost biodiversity in cities.

Toxic blue-green algae blooms are a threat to lake ecosystems and can be toxic for humans and animals. At present, it is only possible to predict roughly when and where such blooms will form – based on water temperature and nutrient levels. Now, a long-term study by Eawag researchers shows that the accumulation of blue-green algae in a lake depends crucially on other plankton species: some organisms promote blue-green algae blooms, whilst others can prevent them even under favourable environmental conditions.

As the leader of the research group on Multifunctional Blue-Green Design at Eawag, Lauren Cook explores the intricate trade-offs between flood management, biodiversity, and urban heat. In this interview, she challenges the simplicity of "nature-based solutions" and explains how decision-making tools can help find the optimal solution for competing goals.

A new modelling approach provides a more accurate picture of how biodiversity in cities will evolve as a result of climate change.

The current heatwave makes it easy to forget that the first half of 2025 was already marked by severe drought and that snow reserves from the winter were low. A review of water policy developments in 2025 shows that, rather than the availability of water, the Federal Parliament once again focused on the use of hydropower. On the subject of water quality, discussions centred on setting limit values for PFAS and calls for a simplified authorisation process for pesticides.

When planning blue-green infrastructure, greater emphasis must be placed on biological aspects. Systems with higher biodiversity function more effectively.

A global analysis of fish biodiversity using environmental DNA (eDNA) reveals how human activity and climate influence biodiversity patterns in river ecosystems. An international research team led by the University of Zurich, Eawag and Yunnan University has found that in warmer climates biodiversity accumulation is more pronounced as river catchment size increases, while human activities weaken this relationship.

A guide helps project leaders restore wetland forests to promote biodiversity and combat climate change.