CDRterra Spokesperson Julia Pongratz Appointed to German Council of Climate Experts

Appointment to National Advisory Body

The second term of the Council of Experts on Climate Change begins on September 1, 2025. The German government has appointed five experts for the next five years, including Prof. Dr. Julia Pongratz, Chair of Physical Geography and Land Use Systems at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich and spokesperson for CDRterra.

The Council was established in 2020 under the Federal Climate Change Act. It is an independent scientific body composed of five experts from various disciplines. Its mission: to analyze and assess key data on national climate policy.

Scientifically Independent Monitoring of Climate Policy

Each year, the Council reviews greenhouse gas emission data submitted by the German Environment Agency and presents its assessment of the effectiveness and target achievement to both the federal government and the Bundestag. It also regularly evaluates the government’s climate action programs – taking into account social equity, economic efficiency, and feasibility. In the upcoming term, Julia Pongratz will contribute her expertise particularly in the land use sector.

“To tackle climate change, we need not only ambitious targets but also the consistent implementation of appropriate measures,” says Pongratz. “The Council of Experts accompanies this process from an independent scientific standpoint and evaluates the progress of climate action in Germany.”

Focus on Land Use and CO₂ Balance

As a recognized expert on land-based emissions, Pongratz sees a particular need for action in her upcoming role:

“The land use sector presents unique challenges: the rewetting of peatlands is progressing slowly, while droughts, storms, and pest infestations are putting great strain on our forests,” she explains. “These developments are clearly reflected in the greenhouse gas balance and require targeted support through suitable measures. With my expertise, I hope to help the Council address these challenges successfully.”

Interdisciplinary Composition – with Fresh Perspectives

In addition to Julia Pongratz, the following experts have been newly appointed to the Council:

Prof. Dr. Dr. Tanja Kneiske (Fraunhofer IEG, Cottbus)

Prof. Dr. Allister Loder (Technical University of Munich)

Continuing from the previous term are:

Prof. Dr. Marc Oliver Bettzüge (University of Cologne)

Dr. Barbara Schlomann (Fraunhofer ISI, Karlsruhe)

According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the new composition of the Council combines continuity with expanded expertise – providing well-founded input for the further development of German climate policy.