Prof. Dr. Mojib Latif is better known than many a politician. While scientists like him do not seek out the spotlight, interviews for newspapers, the radio and television, or presentations to politicians, or talks to schoolchildren are part of his daily routine. He is especially fond of speaking in front of young children because, as he says, they bring out the performer in him! At the same time, Mojib Latif is a lecturer and researcher at the GEOMAR Institute. He runs climate simulations and analyses measurements in his quest for a better understanding of climate fluctuations and how humans influence them. In the past twenty years, there have been over 120 scientific articles in which Latif’s name appears in the list of authors. Moreover, he has written several books in which he explains the complexities of the climate system and future scenarios for it in terms that everyone can understand.
GEOMAR’s director Peter Herzig, prizewinner Mojib Latif, Till Keulen of Deutsche Bank, and guest speaker Johannes B. Kerner (left to right). Photograph: A. Villwock, GEOMARIn recognition of his outstanding achievements in climate research and in communicating science to the general public, Prof. Dr. Mojib Latif was awarded the ‘Deutscher Meerespreis’ in 2009. The presentation was held on 27 March 2009 at the GEOMAR Institute in Kiel. In Mojib Latif, the GEOMAR Institute possessed a gem, according to its director Peter Herzig. “With his achievements as a scientist as well as his dedication to wider causes, he is one of the world’s pre-eminent figures in climate research. We in Kiel can be very proud of that”, he said. According to Deutsche Bank’s Till Keulen, Mojib Latif’s extraordinary commitment to science and society explained his choice as prizewinner.
Johannes B. Kerner in conversation with the prizewinner. Photograph: J. Steffen, GEOMAR
In his laudatory address, the well-known television presenter Johannes B. Kerner said Mojib Latif was dedicated to and passionate about communicating the facts relating to human-induced climate change. “I have rarely come across anyone who has been able to explain to me so clearly the complexities of climate change with such a combination of enthusiasm and determination. He does not merely present the facts; he also urges people to take concrete action”, according to Kerner, on whose shows Mojib Latif has been a frequent guest.
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