Professor Dr Mojib Latif named an honorary citizen of the state

“You are one of the most renowned and significant climate researchers of our time. For decades, you have been issuing urgent warnings about the consequences of global warming. Your numerous contributions to research are just as extraordinary as your commitment to ensuring that scientific findings are followed by action,” said Günther. Schleswig-Holstein is proud to have this internationally highly regarded scientist as an ambassador for the state: “You remind us time and again that the fight against climate change is one of the most important tasks of our time and that we must not slacken our efforts. At the same time, you give us courage: we can make a difference if we act with determination and ambition.”

By awarding honorary citizenship, the state is also recognising Latif’s work outside the realm of research. “You have also been doing extraordinary work outside the field of research for decades. You make scientific findings accessible to a wide public,” said Günther. Mojib Latif speaks in schools, gives lectures, consistently seeks dialogue with people and, as a voice of warning and a source of advice, has also had a strong presence in the media for many years. “Effective science communication is very close to your heart. That is why you are known to so many people in Germany,” said Günther.

As a climate researcher, Latif sees his role as repeatedly warning of the consequences of delayed action. “You do this with great energy. What I particularly admire about you is that you retain your optimism whilst doing so,” said the Minister-President. With his calm, down-to-earth manner – typical of his native northern Germany – and his gift for explaining complex issues in an accessible way, he reaches a wide audience. Günther: “Thank you very much for your perseverance and for sharing your vast knowledge with us. It is an honour for me to appoint you as Schleswig-Holstein’s ninth honorary citizen. You have rendered outstanding services to our state and achieved impressive things.”

Professor Katja Matthes, Director of GEOMAR, was unable to attend the event in person, but sent her congratulations remotely: ”I would like to offer Mojib Latif my heartfelt congratulations on this special and well-deserved honour. The whole of GEOMAR is proud to have him as a colleague. Personally, I am particularly grateful for the time I spent co-leading the Maritime Meteorology Research Unit with him, during which I learnt a great deal. He is an exceptional scientist and a pioneer in effective science communication, who inspires people with his passion for science. He is also a shining example of how one can remain optimistic and continue to tackle climate change with courage even after many years of intensive work on the issue.”

Background: About the person

Mojib Latif, born on 29 September 1954, studied meteorology in Hamburg. He subsequently obtained his doctorate and habilitation in oceanography. Until 2002, he was employed at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg. In 2003, he was appointed professor at what was then the Institute of Oceanography at Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel, now known as GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. After retiring in 2020, he remained a senior professor at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel. He has been President of the German Chapter of the Club of Rome since 2017 and President of the Academy of Sciences in Hamburg since 2022. He lives in Hamburg and in Schönberg (Plön district).

Honorary citizens of Schleswig-Holstein

Those appointed to date are Helmut Schmidt (1998), Uwe Ronneburger (2000), Gerhard Stoltenberg (2001), Siegfried Lenz (2004), Armin Mueller-Stahl (2010), Heide Simonis (2014), Professor Dr Günther Fielmann (2016) and Kirsten Bruhn (2026).