As a widely used research tool, some processes are still missing or poorly implemented in CESM2. To improve the accuracy of the simulations, more realistic representations will be needed. The team is a very active participant in the development of CESM2 and some developments have alredy been included in the new version of the model. As of 2022, we have already implemented the dynamic lake and reservoir, irrigation module including different methods, and human water use in the model.

land management practices, such as af- / deforestation and irrigation, have substantial impacts on climate. To better understand these impacts, models are widely used. As a key participant of LAMACLIMA project, the team provides the simulation outputs of CESM2 to detect the climate responds to various scenarios. The team also have a special focus on irrigation, as it is an essential practice sustaining global food production and many regional economies. During the last decades, irrigation amounts have been growing rapidly. However, this evolution might be constrained by future water scarcity, as water resources could become regionally depleted following changes in precipitation and the hydrological cycle under rising anthropogenic greenhouse gas levels and ongoing water use. This line of research is continued by developing reservoir and irrigation parameterisations in CESM and quantifying impacts of land cover and management change on climate.

The team uses high-resolution hybrid climatological and hydrological data products to map renewable energy resources across Africa, model flexible power mix scenarios for the region, and provide energy policy advice on this basis. The open-source REVUB model developed to this end improves scientific understanding of potential synergies between various renewable energy sources and supports decision making in Africa.