Climate Protection & Sustainability: German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visits PIK

"I think it has once again become clear to everyone involved today how ambitious it already is to limit global warming to below 2 degrees or 1.5 degrees," Federal President Steinmeier said. "Huge steps have to be taken. Politics must be bold." PIK Director Ottmar Edenhofer strongly reiterated that it is not just a question of target corridors being adopted, "but that these target corridors must also be underpinned by concrete political decisions."

Johan Rockström (left), Ottmar Edenhofer (middle) and Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Picture: Bundesregierung / Henning Schacht

After an intensive discussion on the topics of sustainability, equity and social compatibility, the Heads of State explored the historic science site at Telegrafenberg, including the Great Refractor which belongs to the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam, in a walking tour led by PIK researcher Ricarda Winkelmann.

 Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Ricarda Winkelmann (far right) during the walking tour. Picture: Bundesregierung / Henning Schacht

The Heads of State of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland meet every year at different locations for an informal meeting - this year it is Germany's turn. Last year, the meeting was cancelled due to the Corona pandemic.