The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is a leading international climate research institute. It advises governments and private companies around the world on climate policy and conducts cutting-edge research into the Earth system’s physical, chemical, biological and social interactions.
PIK was founded in 1992 by Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, who remains its Director today. The institute has approximately 200 employees from over 40 nations, working in interdisciplinary teams across four main areas: earth systems analysis, climate impacts & vulnerability, climate economics & energy pathways, and communication & adaptation strategies.
Research at PIK covers a wide range of topics related to global change, including greenhouse gas emissions scenarios; climate modeling; impacts of climate change on natural and human systems; adaptation options; mitigation measures such as geoengineering; as well as the economic valuation of ecosystem services. PIK scientists also work on methods to integrate knowledge across disciplines, for example through integrative modeling or “attribution science” which aims to disentangle the various drivers of global change.
One current focus of research is how the Paris Agreement could be implemented most effectively to limit global warming to well below 2°C relative to preindustrial times – ideally 1.5°C – while minimizing negative impacts and promoting sustainable development. Other pressing issues include Arctic amplification and tipping points in the Earth system that could lead to abrupt or irreversible changes if we exceed certain thresholds (e.g., loss of major ice sheets).
PIk has been ranked among the world’s top think tanks for many years now – it was even named “the best institution combining both excellent science and effective policy advice” in 2018 by Nature Index – thanks in part to its rigorous scientific standards but also its ability to communicate findings in ways that inform public debate and policymaking. To this end, PIK works closely with media outlets, publishes regular opinion pieces by staff members (in both English and German), offers briefings for policymakers upon request, organizes public events such as lectures and conferences
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