Christiane Werner

Papers

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About

Christiane Werner is a leading researcher at the intersection of ecosystem ecology, plant physiology, and global change science. Her work fundamentally advances our understanding of how terrestrial ecosystems respond to climate extremes, with a particular focus on the dynamics of carbon and water fluxes. Werner’s major contributions include pioneering studies on stable isotope biogeochemistry to trace plant and ecosystem responses to drought and heat stress, revealing critical thresholds in ecosystem resilience. Her research has been instrumental in quantifying the vulnerability of forests and grasslands to high-impact, low-probability (HILP) events, such as compound heatwaves and megadroughts, which threaten the stability of carbon sinks. With over 17,000 citations, her work has profoundly shaped policy-relevant science, including her notable 2022 paper on resilient pathways for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the face of HILP events. Werner’s achievements include leading major international research networks and serving as a coordinating lead author for IPCC reports. Her insights are essential for designing evidence-based strategies to build back better from climate disruptions, making her a pivotal voice in the final decade of action for the SDGs.