11/10/2014 - More than 500 guests gathered recently to witness how Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, received the Cultural Award of Passau County. Schellnhuber's hometown Ortenburg also awarded him honorary citizenship in another ceremony. Mayor Stefan Lang presented him with the official document. "There are countless wonderful childhood memories tying me to my hometown, so I'm particularly delighted by this honor," said Schellnhuber.
But during his speech at the award ceremony in Vilshofen, Schellnhuber also struck a more somber note. The PIK Director presented several significant research findings. "Modern climate change is man-made. In accordance with the polluter pays principle, our society must act in a decisive manner to minimize the extent and impact of global warming," said Schellnhuber. Alongside the researcher, four other distinguished individuals also received the Cultural Award: the weaver Monika Holler, the opera singer Natalie Stahl, the artist Theo Scherling and Circus O'zelloni.
