Renowned professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber set as Keynote Speaker
Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, a distinguished physicist and mathematician with a remarkable career spanning quantum physics and climate science, has taken on a new and pivotal role as the Director General of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Laxenburg, Austria. In a groundbreaking move, Schellnhuber is set to spearhead a global initiative titled “Forests for the Future,” aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges.
The initiative, falling under Theme 5 (Sat) of Schellnhuber’s diverse portfolio, is poised to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for sustainable forestry management and conservation. The project’s overarching goal is to develop holistic solutions that balance environmental conservation with socio-economic needs.
Hans Joachim Schellnhuber’s expertise in climate impact research and his illustrious career as the founding director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) from 1992 to 2018 uniquely positions him to lead this ambitious global endeavor. His extensive background also includes serving as the research director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in the United Kingdom and founding and managing director of Bauhaus Erde. Additionally, he holds the title of Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
The news of Schellnhuber’s latest undertaking follows his recent appointment in December 2023 as Director General of IIASA, an organization renowned for its interdisciplinary research on complex global challenges. His appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the scientific community, as Schellnhuber’s leadership is expected to bring fresh insights and innovative solutions to the forefront of global environmental discourse.
Schellnhuber’s dedication to addressing the pressing environmental crisis has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, he was awarded the Honorary Edition of the German Sustainability Prize for his “enormous influence on science, politics, and business by developing and communicating sustainable solutions to the global environmental crisis.”
As the world grapples with the urgent need for comprehensive climate action, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber’s new role at IIASA and his commitment to the “Forests for the Future” initiative mark a significant step forward in fostering global collaboration and sustainable practices to ensure a healthier and more resilient planet for future generations. The international community eagerly anticipates the positive impact that Schellnhuber’s leadership will bring to the forefront of environmental research and policy. The title and summary of the initiative are pending, but the world is watching with anticipation as one of the leading voices in climate science embarks on this transformative journey.
Read more about Professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber and the other keynote speakers.
