Climate change and energy were among the topics that received the most media attention in 2023. IIASA researchers contributed to six out of the 25 most mentioned papers in online news articles, as well as on blogs and social media platforms.

Using Altmetric data for 2023, Carbon Brief has compiled its annual list of the 25 most talked-about climate- or energy-related papers that were published the previous year. The list focuses on peer-reviewed research papers only – commentaries or other papers that are not formally peer-reviewed are not included.

The infographic below shows which papers made it into the top 10, while the article includes analysis of the full list of 25, including the diversity of their authors and which journals feature most frequently.

The climate papers most featured in the media in 2023 © Carbon Brief

The climate papers most featured in the media in 2023

News

Misty rainforest

05 May 2026

Amazon understory forests show short-term boost in CO₂ uptake – but this comes at a cost

Tropical forests are one of the planet's most important carbon sinks – often also called "the lungs of the Earth". But their future in a high-CO₂ world remains uncertain. IIASA researchers contributed to a new study, which suggests even small understory trees in the Amazon may initially buffer climate change more strongly. Their long-term capacity to store carbon could, however, be restricted by nutrient availability, highlighting the vulnerability of these ecosystems under future climate conditions.
Group photo of the participants

17 April 2026

IIASA and OSCE explore collaboration on emerging technologies and security challenges

Earlier this week, IIASA welcomed a delegation from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to Schloss Laxenburg for a high-level exchange on advancing collaboration at the intersection of science, policy, and emerging technologies.
Food market

23 March 2026

CHOICE webinar showcases interactive tools bringing food-system models closer to stakeholders

The Horizon Europe project CHOICE hosted an online webinar presenting two interactive simulation environments designed to make food-system and climate modelling more accessible to stakeholders, policymakers, and non-expert users. The session featured live demonstrations and hands-on exercises exploring how behavioral change, dietary shifts, food waste reduction, and land-use decisions can shape sustainability outcomes.