Matteo Willeit

Dr. Matteo Willeit is a Senior Scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in the Department of Earth System Analysis, Working Group Long-Term Trajectories. His research focuses on modeling past and future climate changes using Earth system models of intermediate complexity, particularly the CLIMBER-X model. He has been actively contributing to the German Climate Modeling Initiative PalMod across multiple phases.

Dr. Willeit earned his PhD in Physics (Dr. rer. nat.) from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and at the University of Potsdam, focusing on vegetation-climate and carbon-cycle feedbacks. Prior to that, he completed his graduation in Physics at the University of Bologna with a focus on climate physics and meteorology.

Dr. Willeit's research spans multiple areas of climate science, with particular expertise in:

• Modeling the stability of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets
• Simulating glacial-interglacial cycles throughout the Quaternary period
• Investigating the Earth's carbon cycle and its interactions with climate
• Studying climate tipping points and planetary boundaries
• Developing and applying Earth system models of intermediate complexity

Analysis of Dr. Willeit's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on understanding climate system stability, particularly regarding ice sheets, ocean circulation, and carbon cycle feedbacks. His work frequently employs the CLIMBER-X Earth system model to investigate both past climate transitions and future climate scenarios. A significant portion of his recent research addresses climate tipping points, with particular attention to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and ice sheet dynamics. His publications demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach that bridges paleoclimatology, climate modeling, and contemporary climate change research.

Dr. Willeit has been actively involved in major research initiatives:

• PalMod Phase III (2024-present): Investigating future stability of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets
• PalMod Phase II (2021-2023): Modeling the last glacial cycle
• PalMod Phase I (2017-2020): Modeling the last glacial cycle
• DFG-funded project (2014-2016): Studying major transitions in Quaternary climate
• GREENCYCLES II Initial Training Network (PhD work): Analyzing vegetation-climate and carbon-cycle feedbacks

Dr. Willeit works within the Earth System Analysis department at PIK, contributing to the development and application of the CLIMBER-X Earth system model. His research connects with broader efforts at PIK to understand planetary boundaries and climate tipping points, as reflected in PIK's Planetary Health Check initiative.