“Rio+20 – New Impulses for Climate Science and Adaptation” was the motto of the DKK press breakfast in Berlin on Tuesday, 12 June 2012. The presentation was organised by the ‘Public Relations’ working group of the German Climate Consortium. Over a dozen journalists accepted the invitation to be updated on the latest milestones in climate research. In a comfortable breakfast atmosphere, famous climate experts were open for all questions and willing to give answers. Professor Peter Lemke of the Alfred Wegener Institute Bremerhaven gave an introduction to the advances in climate science over the last twenty years. Dr Paul Becker of the German National Meteorological Service spoke about the immense progress in climate modelling. Dr Alexander Popp of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research gave a lecture on the prospects and risks of biomass energy. Professor Heinke Schlünzen of the Excellence Cluster "CliSAP" spoke on “Cities in Climate Change”, and Dr Josef Settele from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research completed the presentations with a small excursion into the subject of climate and biodiversity.

DKK Chairman Professor Mojib Latif supported and professionally moderated the event.

Handout (in German only, pdf)

Further information: Ulrike Hafermann, Tel. +49 30 76 77 18 690

The German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) became a member of the DKK in March 2012. The BfG, being a ministerial research institution of the Federal government, adds a relevant competence to the community of climate researchers in this country: The focus of research in the BfG is on water and the environment - with a strong emphasis on practical applications. The Federal Institute of Hydrology provides consulting services and expert assessments in water-related matters. Moreover, it collects and systematically processes data that are used to develop realistic scientific models. For decades the BfG has been monitoring the navigable waterways (rivers, canals, and estuaries) so that it can now draw upon a unique wealth of experience and a vast data pool. Together with its partners, the BfG is investigating under the research programme "KLIWAS" the transport performance of waterways under conditions of climate change. The consequences of climate change for waterways and navigation and the search for suitable strategies of adaptation are in the centre of research here.

The BfG is headed by Director General Michael Behrendt.

In August and September 2011 the DKK Media Training "Climate research in the media landscape - provision of information on scientific results and processes“ took place in Berlin. The training aimed at scientists, who frequently work with the media, public relations professionals and staff of the managing board. The content of the training was tailored to individual requirements.

The participants recommend the "individual and highly professional" training carried out by the DKK cooperation partner Jessica Wahl unreservedly. 

Content

•       Telephone interviews, radio interview 

•       How to react to "always the same questions"

•       Dealing with critical issues

•       How to convey complex topics

•       Development of lines of arguments

•       Getting to the heart of the matter on an entertaining and informative way

•       Quick reactions - the „30- second – statement“

•       Toolbox for dealing professional with the media

•       Personal and professional acceptance before a demanding audience 

•       Ways to deal productively with stage fright, interposed questions and stress - 

Tipps and Tricks against nervousness and blackouts

•       self-perception and external perception

•       Gesture and mimic

Methodology

•       Telephone and radio interviews, press conferences, TV-Interviews) with individual analyses

•       Acting in front of cameras and microfons -awareness, optimization and deepening of

techniques

•       Breathing-, vocal- and speech practices

Further information: Marie-Luise Beck, T. +49 30 76 77 18 69 0

For 20 years, the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin has offered a fantastic setting for the Open Air Classic - and the location of the DKK opposite the Konzerthaus presents an excellent opportunity for a different kind of networking. Partners and friends of the DKK met for the "First Night The Best Of Classic Open Air" on the 7th of July and for the concert "Carmina Burana / Credo" on the 9th of July.