
IIASA Director General Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber will be a featured speaker at The Climate Reality Project’s REALITY® Tour: Paris. As a world-renowned climate scientist, sustainability advocate, and founder of Bauhaus Erde, Schellnhuber will participate in a live Q&A panel to address pressing climate science questions.
The Climate Reality Project is a global organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing people to take action on climate change. Founded by former US Vice President Al Gore, the initiative trains leaders, raises awareness, and advocates for policies to address the climate crisis. Al Gore, a Nobel Laureate and Academy Award-winning environmental advocate, leads the organization’s efforts, delivering climate presentations and mentoring activists worldwide. Through programs like the Climate Reality Leadership Corps and events such as the REALITY® Tour, the organization equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful climate solutions.
During this 45-minute session, Schellnhuber will be joined by Levke Caesar, a leading researcher in Earth system dynamics from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, to discuss:
- Climate tipping points – Understanding irreversible environmental shifts and their global impact.
- The role of science in climate policy – How research can shape urgent action at national and global levels.
- Sustainable transformation – Rethinking urban development and the built environment to combat climate change.
- Earth system resilience – How planetary boundaries science informs long-term climate solutions.
As one of the most highly cited climate scientists, Schellnhuber has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between research and action. His work has influenced global climate policies, including contributions to the Paris Agreement. This session offers a unique opportunity to gain direct insights from one of the leading voices in climate science.
Event Format
- Live audience Q&A – Attendees will submit questions in advance, with selected questions addressed during the panel.
- Expert insights – Schellnhuber and Caesar will provide in-depth responses to climate-related concerns.
- Press-friendly session – Open media coverage to amplify the discussion on urgent climate challenges.
The 2025 REALITY® Tour marks 10 years since the signing of the Paris Agreement. Following the kickoff event in Paris, the tour will continue with three additional in-person, multi-day trainings in Nairobi, Rio de Janeiro, and Ulaanbaatar, bringing climate education and advocacy to key regions worldwide. In addition to these flagship events, Climate Reality branches will host trainings throughout the year, ensuring that climate leaders across the globe have the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their communities.
For more details about these events, visit The Climate Reality Project website.
Upcoming Events
Matosinhos, a neighboring municipality of Porto, Greater Porto Metropolitan Area (Portugal)
CircEUlar featured in a Carbon Neutrality Exhibition in Portugal
Online and in Gvishiani room at IIASA (Laxenburg, Austria)
AI for Climate Science seminar series: AI applications for Climate Science
Conference Center, Laxenburg, Austria