Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

Advancing the scientific frontier and contributing solutions for a safe and just climate future

Advancing the scientific frontier on inter-disciplinary climate impact research for global sustainability and contributing knowledge and solutions for a safe and just climate future  – this is the twofold mission of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), a member of the Leibniz Association and a leader in its field. PIK integrates the latest understanding of the Earth system with the assessment of climate risks, and with the exploration of policies and pathways towards a manageable climate future. A guiding framework for PIK’s research is therefore the integration of Planetary Boundaries and Global Commons. The institute in a unique way combines research across disciplines and scales with solution orientation, emphasizing that societal relevance is based on scientific excellence.

With its more than 300 staff from all over the world, PIK contributes knowledge to the global scientific community by way of publications in high-ranking peer-reviewed international journals and engagement in numerous partnerships and networks. Its main methods are integrated and complex systems analysis and data integration; numerical simulations are run on our own super computer. The institute also actively provides insights to decision-makers in policy, business, and society as a whole.

Latest news and articles

Advancing the Conversation Around Building a Resilient Future

Resilience — or the ability of people, households, communities, countries and systems to manage adversity and change without compromising future well-being — is becoming more relevant and better known outside of food security circles as the world struggles to cope with increased and overlapping global shocks.

Scaling Global Resilience: New Report Highlights Increasing Momentum for Evidence-backed Solutions 

The Resilience Evidence Forum (REF) 2023 Synthesis Report presents the findings and insights from the Resilience Evidence Forum.

Tharu tribe women lead their climate justice movement in India

In this story, we learn how the women of the Tharu tribe are at the forefront of climate justice movements and reclaiming their land. This is one of the five winning stories from Resilience Perspectives, a storytelling competition for young people.

Meet the shortlisted candidates of the RAIN Challenge for Non-profits 

Eight seed-level initiatives have been selected and over the next six months will work in collaboration with GRP to receive tailored mentoring and leadership training. The RAIN Challenge for non-profits is a joint effort between GRP and the Munich-Re Foundation.

The Butterfly Effect:  A Story of Resilience from a DRR Young Leaders Fellow

In this story, Manashree Newa shares her experience as a young DRR fellow in Nepal's Terai region and how the experience left a lasting impact on her and the municipality. This is one of the five winning stories from the Resilience Perspectives storytelling contest.