Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Co-Lead Planetary Boundaries Science
Berlin, Germany
Levke Caesar is a climate physicist who studies the role of the oceans in the climate system. Her main focus of research is the evolution of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in the past, present and future and its interaction with the the rest of the Earth system.
Since October 2023 she is co-leading the newly initiated Planetary Boundary Science (PBScience) project at PIK.
Offer
I am a physicist by training and a big fan of all kinds of problems as well as problem-solving strategies. I have been working in academia for more than 10 years and have extensive knowledge of ocean currents and climate tipping points (which might be of particular interest when crossing the Atlantic), as well as Earth system sciences. I can share with the community insights on what determines Earth's climate, why current CO2 concentrations are problematic despite having been much higher in Earth's history, how tipping elements work, the current state of knowledge on the evolution of the AMOC, and whether an AMOC shutdown would lead to a new ice age, among other topics. Having participated in multiple research expeditions, I can also share my experiences and explain how a research cruise differs from an Atlantic crossing on a yacht ;-) With my background in lecturing and science communication, I believe I can convey these topics in an accessible and engaging way. As the new co-lead of the Planetary Boundary Science Initiative at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, I can also share our latest assessments on the health of the planet and what a "sick" planet would mean for us.
NEED
- siloed approach to Earth system problems within the scientific community - limited Earth observations - existing believe among some that scientists should keep their opinions for themselves and only share facts - short term contracts in science and the pressure to publish as much as possible
Call-to-Action
Regarding the scientific problems: More trust in science (especially in scientific consensus) and of course funding for either core sciences or science communication is also appreciated. Regarding the global planetary health problem and climate crisis: Use of less resources and less waste production.
