This press release was published by EurekAlert! and AlphaGalileo.  

Terrestrial carbon cycle dynamics remain one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in climate projections, with diverging estimates of ecosystem carbon uptake, affecting the accuracy of Earth system models.

To address these challenges, CONCERTO (Improved CarbOn cycle represeNtation through multi-sCale models and Earth obseRvation for Terrestrial ecOsystems), was launched in January 2025.

CONCERTO’s kick off meeting was held on 21-22 January 2025 in Milan, Italy, where representatives of the 13 consortium partners gathered, laying the groundwork for their four-year research goals. 

The project aims to advance the current understanding and modelling of the terrestrial carbon cycle, leading to reduced uncertainty in climate predictions and models. The project will also integrate cutting-edge Earth оbservation data, innovative land surface process models, data assimilation, and machine learning techniques to refine carbon cycle representation. Finally, by providing more accurate predictions of ecosystem carbon fluxes, the project will contribute to improved climate policy and support global efforts towards carbon neutrality.

"CONCERTO represents an important step towards improving Earth system models by leveraging the latest advancements in remote sensing and modelling techniques. By reducing uncertainties in carbon cycle predictions, we are paving the way for more effective climate mitigation strategies and informed policy decisions." says Manuela Balzarolo, project coordinator of CONCERTO.

More information about CONCERTO can be found on the project website. Follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and YouTube for updates on research developments.

Read the press release in EurekAlert! and AlphaGalileo.

Understanding how terrestrial ecosystems absorb carbon is crucial for predicting future climate scenarios and shaping effective mitigation policies. However, Earth System Models continue to produce varying estimates, contributing to persistent uncertainty. To address these challenges, the CONCERTO project has officially launched under the Horizon Europe programme, bringing together leading European experts to advance carbon cycle research.

CONCERTO — Improved CarbOn cycle represeNtation through multi-sCale models and Earth obseRvation for Terrestrial ecOsystems — aims to improve the representation of land cover, leaf area index, and management intensity through the development of high-resolution maps with layers relevant to the carbon cycle.

The project was officially launched with its first consortium meeting on 21–22 January 2025 in Milan, Italy. The event gathered over 35 participants in person and 10 online, representing thirteen international partners from seven European countries.

Over the course of two days, the meeting provided a platform for partners to introduce themselves, discuss project objectives, and establish a shared vision for the next four years. Each partner delivered presentations outlining their specific goals within the project. The meeting also featured an interactive brainstorming session, allowing participants to align strategies, exchange ideas, and define best practices for the project’s successful implementation.

Over its four-year duration, CONCERTO will focus on developing innovative resources to improve multi-scale modelling and Earth observation for terrestrial ecosystems. By fostering collaboration across scientific disciplines and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the project will aim to enhance the predictability of land management impacts on the carbon cycle, ultimately contributing to global carbon neutrality efforts.

Stay updated on CONCERTO’s progress by following our social media channels on BlueSky, LinkedIn and YouTube.