7 Apr 2025
The holder of the Chair of Physical Geography and Land Use Systems has been accepted as a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle/Saale.
Prof. Julia Pongratz, holder of the Chair of Physical Geography and Land Use Systems and internationally recognized climate scientist, has been accepted as a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle/Saale. The Leopoldina thus recognizes her significant scientific achievements in the field of climate and ecosystem research.
“Climate change and land use encompass issues ranging from ecological sustainability and economic value creation to our fundamental understanding of nature. The associated challenges must be tackled across disciplinary boundaries and discussed with politics and society. As an interdisciplinary learned society that advises politicians and the public, the Leopoldina is in an excellent position to promote such issues. I am looking forward to my work at the Academy.”
Julia Pongratz investigates how human interventions in nature - in particular land use - influence the climate. Her research focuses on the role humans play in the climate system and how deforestation, afforestation and agriculture influence carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Her work provides key insights for understanding the global earth system and for climate protection measures.
With over 360 years of history, the Leopoldina is the oldest continuously existing science academy in the world. It has been Germany's National Academy of Sciences since 2008. It brings together outstanding scientists from various disciplines and advises politics and society on scientific issues. Admission is considered a special distinction for outstanding scientific achievements.