Hans-Otto Pörtner

Hans-Otto Pörtner is a Professor at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), leading the Department of Integrative Ecophysiology. As Co-Chair of the IPCC Working Group II (2015-2023), he oversaw landmark reports on 1.5°C Global Warming, Land Degradation, and the Ocean and Cryosphere. His research centers on climate change impacts on marine organisms, oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance, and biodiversity preservation.

Key research areas include:

• Ocean acidification and CO₂ sequestration
• IPCC policy influence (e.g., ocean CO₂ dumping ban 2007)
• Integrative physiology in intertidal and polar species

Scientific awards highlight his global impact as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2018, 2019) and European Academy of Sciences member. His work bridges lab research with high-level climate policy, emphasizing existential urgency for 1.5°C warming limits.