Climate and rivers: when the past sheds light on the future

Thanks to a close collaboration with the Luxembourg National Museum of Natural History, LIST draws on its research to tell the hydroclimatological story of Luxembourg. Tracing 175 years of data on climate and rivers evolution, a new temporary exhibition—designed by the MNHNL teams and supported by the Science Section of the Grand Ducal Institute—highlights the importance of understanding the past to anticipate the future in the face of climate change.

For over 30 years, researchers at LIST have been exploring the complex links between climate and hydrological systems by combining historical archives with innovative technologies. This work has gathered invaluable data on the impact of human activities and climate change—data that now takes centre stage in this exhibition. Laurent Pfister, head of the Environmental Sensing and Modelling unit at LIST, shares insights into this unique collaboration and the importance of this scientific endeavour.

How has LIST’s research contributed to this exhibition?

We have not only analysed Luxembourg City’s climate archives, dating back to 1838, but have also developed innovative methods to better understand rivers and extreme weather events. Whether through meteorological records, satellite imagery, soil and water analyses, advanced modelling, or biodiversity observations, the research conducted by the Environmental Sensing and Modelling unit pursues a common goal: to better understand and mitigate the impacts of global change on our hydro-ecosystems.

Thanks to this interdisciplinary expertise, we have been able to trace the evolution of key parameters such as temperature, precipitation and river levels over the centuries. These findings offer a fresh perspective on Luxembourg’s environmental dynamics.

What will visitors discover in this exhibition?

The exhibition offers an immersive journey into Luxembourg’s climate and hydrological history, unveiling the instruments and methods used to collect this data. Visitors will discover rudimentary historical rain gauges and mechanical paper-based recorders, as well as modern, highly sophisticated sensors.
All these devices showcase the evolution of observation techniques. The goal is to demonstrate how scientific progress helps us better understand and anticipate the challenges posed by climate change.

Why is it crucial to leverage these historical data today?

The history of climate and rivers is a vital source of information. By linking past extreme events to those observed today, we can better assess the impact of human activities and more accurately predict the future evolution of climate and hydrological phenomena. The MNHNL exhibition reflects the importance of this research, showing that understanding the past is essential in order to take effective action today.

Learn more about the exhibition

The "Luxembourg's rivers and climate through the ages" exhibition runs from January 31 to March 16 at the MNHNL. Explore Luxembourg’s hydroclimatological history and understand why preserving and studying our climate heritage is more crucial than ever for future generations.
For more information: https://www.mnhn.lu/

Opening hours:
•    Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (free entry from 5:30 PM)
•    Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM