Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is a German government-funded research institute addressing crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts, and sustainable development. Ranked among the top environmental think tanks worldwide, it is one of the leading research institutions and part of a global network of scientific and academic institutions working on questions of global environmental change. It is a member of the Leibniz Association, whose institutions perform research on subjects of high relevance to society.

PIK was founded in 1992 by its current director, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber. About 400 people work at the institute that is located on Potsdam's historic Telegrafenberg. Researchers from the natural and social sciences analyze the earth system and develop strategies and solution pathways for a sustainable development.

PIK provides information to international organizations like the World Bank as well as to regional bodies like the Federal Government of Germany and the European Commission. PIK scientists also contribute to the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC working group Climate Change mitigation is coordinated by the institute's deputy director and chief economist Ottmar Edenhofer.

In 2007, PIK initiated a biennial Nobel Laureates' Symposium series on global sustainability. The fourth annual symposium is scheduled for April 22, 2015 and will be held in Hong Kong. This will be the first time that the Laureates' Symposium will be held outside Europe and will be focused on the rapid urbanization East Asia and Pacific region.

In 2010, PIK collaborated with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology to found Climate-KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community). Though this partnership, PIK works with other companies and academic institutions to address sustainable growth through climate change mitigation and adaptation

...
Wikipedia