IIASA Director General Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber is featured in the new documentary Hirschhausen will zum Papst (Hirschhausen wants to meet the Pope), produced by Germany’s public broadcaster ARD.

The documentary explores the intersection of climate change, ethics, and global responsibility through conversations surrounding the legacy of Pope Francis and his environmental advocacy.

The film follows German physician and science communicator Eckart von Hirschhausen as he examines the growing moral and societal dimensions of the climate crisis. Schellnhuber appears as one of the featured scientific voices (at minute 8:55), contributing perspectives on climate science, sustainability, and the urgent need for transformative action.

The documentary highlights the increasing importance of dialogue between science, society, and global institutions in addressing planetary challenges.

Watch the full documentary (in German).

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