A retrieval methodology for forest water potential from ground-based L-band radiometry is proposed. It contains the estimation of the gravimetric and the relative water content of a forest stand and tests in situ- and model-based functions to transform these estimates into forest water potential. The retrieval is based on vegetation optical depth data from a tower-based experiment of the SMAPVEX 19–21 campaign for the period from April to October 2019 at Harvard Forest, MA, USA. In addition, comparison and validation with in situ measurements on leaf and xylem water potential as well as on leaf wetness and complex permittivity are foreseen to understand limitations and potentials of the proposed approach. As a first result the radiometer-based water potential estimates of the forest stand are concurrent in time and similar in value with their in situ (xylem) counterparts from single trees in the radiometer footprint.

In media coverage, the context of the German energy transition, also referred to as Energiewende, casts a spotlight not only on various technology options (e.g. wind or coal power) but also on more abstract topics such as security of supply or electricity prices. Thereby, the public's assessment of energy-related issues may greatly rely on perceived risks. Focusing on the quality of energy-related risk reporting, this contribution therefore is intended to explore the German print and TV media discourse on energy options or topics. In our sample, one in three articles connects an energy option or topic with an evident or potential unwanted event. Although the media's effect on actual risk perception involves some controversies, researchers tend to criticize the media as being susceptible to framing and for failing to place unwanted events in perspective, e.g. by not presenting the corresponding likelihood of occurrence, which is necessary to define risk. If this critique holds true, accurate public risk assessment is partly hampered because media coverage implies uncertainty rather than providing all information available. We examined seven indicators of quality reporting derived from literature research: intensity, likelihood, controllability, desired uncertainty, sensationalism, emotional language, and type of unwanted event. Based on German energy media coverage in 2013, we found a relatively high occurrence of intensity and controllability, whereas likelihood and desired uncertainty were reported less often. By aggregating the indicators into a risk-reporting quality index, we did not observe a poor quality of risk reporting on energy issues. In contrast to previous research, the overall quality of energy-related risk reporting can be assessed as at least moderate, implying that the media depicts risks more precisely than assumed. The occurrence of quality indicators thereby significantly depends on the type of unwanted event rather than on the energy option considered.

This study investigates German news media coverage and PR material of offshore wind stakeholders from industry, politics, science and civil society thoroughly to provide insights about offshore wind benefits and risks communicated frequently and rarely to the public. By comparative analyses, differences between stakeholder and media messages are revealed: while stakeholders strongly focused on the supportive argument relevance of offshore wind for the energy turnaround, the media often discussed the negative impacts higher costs and delays in grid connection. Furthermore, the influence of offshore wind arguments on acceptance is measured within a survey representative of the German population. With these results, it can be assessed how far influential arguments were presented and which messages have been used frequently despite their low impact. Disruptions to viewscapes, limitation of commercial fishing areas, and hazards to shipping proved to be effective arguments to influence offshore wind acceptance - however, they were seldom used.

Hydrogen is essential for future energy supply, but it currently has a niche existence resulting from a vague public profile. To gain broad support, a specific image of hydrogen has to be established in which its concrete benefits for everyday life are provided. This study focuses on communication related to hydrogen in Germany. We have combined results from a representative survey that focuses on acceptance, an analysis of German news media and an analysis of stakeholder communication material to identify arguments commonly and seldom used. An argument used frequently in media and communication material as to the benefits of hydrogen is its ability to store (surplus) energy. However, an awareness of this advantage has no significant influence on hydrogen acceptance. Instead, advantages such as independence from central power grid or potential of decentralization proved to be significant determinants, but these occurred less frequently in stakeholder documents and media. The use of less well-known and more specific arguments seems to be more effective regarding the influence on hydrogen acceptance.

ZPB Zeitschrift für Politikberatung , Seite 137 - 148

Durch die wachsende Bedeutung des Themas Nachhaltigkeit rückt „grüne“ Werbung ins Zentrum der Aufmerksamkeit. Werbetreibende setzen den Öko-Aspekt als Vermarktungsstrategie ein. Dabei stellt sich die Frage, wie sie Umwelt-Werbung gestalten und Umweltschutz für ihre Zwecke instrumentalisieren: Welche Mittel werden eingesetzt, um den Rezipienten zu überzeugen? Wie emotional ist „grüne“ Werbung? Inwieweit könnte sie den Rezipienten irreführen? Zur Beantwortung dieser Fragen werden ökologische Anzeigen aus zwei deutschen (Der Spiegel,Focus) und zwei britischen (New Statesman,The Spectator) Nachrichtenmagazinen von 1993 bis 2009 analysiert. Damit liefert diese Studie neben der Deskription „grüner“ Werbung auch einen Überblick über Veränderungen im Zeitverlauf sowie einen interkulturellen Benchmark. Zudem bietet sie neben einer Definition ökologischer Werbung sowohl aktuellere Daten auf diesem Gebiet als auch einen ersten Ländervergleich im Trend, in dem auch Deutschland integriert ist. Es zeigt sich, dass „grüne“ Anzeigen der deutschen Nachrichtenmagazine emotionaler und potenziell glaubwürdiger sind, die aus den britischen dagegen ein signifikant geringeres Irreführungspotenzial aufweisen. Letzteres ist möglicherweise auf eine strengere Werberegulierung in Großbritannien zurückzuführen.