A series of talks sponsored by the Faculty of Physics and the VDSP
In the kick-off event on 7 April 2022, Prof. Dr. Mathias Rotach (Head of Department Department of Atmospheric and Cryospheric Sciences) will review the basic physics of global climate change, as well as its main characteristics in Austria.
About the lecture series
The climate crisis is one of the fundamental challenges of our times, and it will further intensify over the next decades. Accordingly, achieving "climate neutrality by 2030" is part of the sustainability strategy of the University of Vienna. In an effort to support this goal, the Faculty of Physics is organising a series of colloquia on crucial scientific insights regarding climate change.
Thursday, 7 April 2022, 17.30 Hybrid event
Prof. Dr. Mathias Rotach: Any questions? - the physical basis of global and Austrian climate change
After a short introduction to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), its origin, organization, tasks and outputs, the focus of the seminar will be on the physical basis of climate change. What are the physical processes at the origin of the Earth atmosphere's climate system that lead to what is known as 'climate change'? A short overview on the climate system's reaction will be given as well as a discussion of the (un)certainty with which we can assess these reactions in the climate system. To better understand the specific 'issues' of Austrian climate change the physical principles of 'climate modeling' will shortly be reviewed. The seminar will be concluded with a selection of recent results relevant for Austria's climate adaptation and mitigation strategies and most relevant open questions.
How to join the event
On-site attendance and discussion is encouraged for up to 50 persons with FFP2 mask (no registration).
The event regulations and COVID safety measures may change throughout the term. In any case please adhere to the COVID-19 hygiene rules and rules of conduct of the University of Vienna.
Moreover, the lecture will be live-streamed, and the online audience can participate in a text-only chat discussion.
