Department of Environmental Science

Head: Laura Kļaviņa

E-mail: laura.klavina@lu.lv

The aim of the activities of the Department of Applied Environment Science is to provide studies in environmental science at the University of Latvia, and to develop scientific and applied research in creation, transfer and innovations of environmental technologies, analysis and modelling of environmental pollution, environmental policy and management, as well as in environmental planning (also landscape planning), in sustainable use and protection of environment and resources, in waste management and in the management of climate change, thus promoting the development of the society and national economy in general. In their academic and research activities the personnel of the Department cooperates with Latvian and foreign partners in public administration and institutions of research and higher education.

Research directions

• The impact of climate change, changes of land use and land cover on soil and its properties. Composition of the organic matter of soil and its contribution to GHG emissions.
• The driving forces in landscape transformation and their impact on landscape sustainability, assessment and planning.
• Solutions for circular economy, bioeconomy: use of waste as biorefining and valorisation of resources, by-products of biomass processing: innovation for environmental technologies.
• Public consumption patterns and innovations for sustainable development.
• Assessment of the state of nature and environmental systems, mathematical modelling of trends of development, scenarios, assessment of the proportion and significance of impact of biogenic and anthropogenic factors in the evolution of various systems.
• Management of energy resources in complex energy supply systems; energy efficiency and renewables, policies and measures.
• Environmental management systems and processes, tools.

Head: profesors Viesturs Melecis

E-mail: viesturs.melecis@lu.lv

The aim of the Department of Environmental Protection is to provide environmental science studies at the University of Latvia and develop research in the field of environmental quality and climate change assessment, bioeconomy, ecotoxicology, nature protection and environmental education. The academic staff of the department ensures the study process in environmental science bachelor's, master's and doctoral study programs, as well as are involved in teaching study courses in other study programs implemented at the University of Latvia.

Research directions

• Composition of Latvian surface waters, biological diversity, water recultivation methods, wastewater treatment technologies.
• Regularities of peat functioning, changes after the ice age, anthropogenic effects on biological diversity, solutions for mire restoration.
• Impact of climate change on environmental resources, biological diversity. Aspects of adaptation to climate change, especially impacts on land use, ecosystem services: participation in the creation of Latvia's climate policy, solutions for moving towards climate neutrality.
• The diversity of Latvia's landscapes and nature as a resource for ensuring the sustainable development of the territory.
• Environmental education, climate education.

Head: Linda Dobkeviča

E-mail: linda.dobkevica@lu.lv 

Head: Laura Kļaviņa

E-pasts: laura.klavina@lu.lv 

Head: Jorens Kviesis

E-mail: jorens.kviesis@inbox.lv 

Head: Oskars Purmalis

E-mail: oskars.purmalis@lu.lv 

Webpage: https://www.lu.lv/en/gribustudet/skoleniem/nodarbibas-skoleniem/jauno-vides-zinatnieku-skola-vides-akademija/