ACDC 2026 Institute Pascal

IPCC AR6 scenarios project atmospheric CO₂ concentrations of 400–1200 ppm by 2100. Understanding climates under such high pCO₂ levels requires looking beyond the Quaternary, since the past million years were dominated by glacial–interglacial cycles with CO₂ varying only between 180 and 280 ppm. Warmer periods earlier in the Cenozoic therefore offer essential analogues for studying climate dynamics, model–data mismatches, and interactions within the climate system under elevated CO₂.

Part I: Learning from Past Warm Climates

During the first two weeks, lectures and discussions will introduce Cenozoic warm periods—specifically the mid‑Pliocene, mid‑Miocene, and early Eocene—drawing on both climate model simulations and empirical reconstructions. We will review the strengths and limitations of these datasets, including uncertainties in reconstructions and age models.

We will combine short invited presentations with group project work on key topics such as:

• Reconstruction of greenhouse gases (James Rae – CO₂; Peter Hopcroft – CH₄)
• Equator‑to‑pole temperature gradients: model–data comparison (Julia Tindall, Natalie J. Burls, Daniel Lunt)
• Ocean circulation and the role of gateways (Zhongshi Zhang, Ning Tan, Gregor Knorr)
• Cryosphere dynamics in the Pliocene and Miocene (Anna Ruth Halberstadt, Aisling Dolan, Petra Langebroek, Robert DeConto)
• Continental biosphere evolution, including C3/C4 pathways (Sarah Feakins)

Students will work in 6–8 groups with mentors to analyse these topics and prepare presentations.

Part II: Future Climate on Centennial–Millennial Timescales

After the initial two weeks, the workshop will expand to include additional experts and science communicators. Over three final days, we will examine possible long‑term climate trajectories following major anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Central questions include:

• At what CO₂ levels, cryosphere states, and ocean circulation patterns will Earth’s climate eventually equilibrate?
• How might different transient emission pathways lead to different long‑term climate equilibria?
• How should these outcomes be communicated to broader audiences?

Students will present their group projects during these final days to the wider scientific community.

Application process

The application deadline is March 31st, 2026. Applications will open with details posted here by 1st of March.

If you have any questions, please contact institutpascalteam@gmail.com

Target

Advanced graduate students (PhDs). Other applications will be considered on a case by case basis if there is space (admission is competitive). 

Goal

To mix students and lecturers with empirical and dynamical training within climate science and focus on understanding the basic principles and dynamics relating to warm greenhouse climates.