A climate researcher faces the prospect of losing his university position for refusing to fly back home

Dr. Gianluca Grimalda, a climate researcher, warns that he could lose his position at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany for choosing not to fly back from Papua New Guinea.

Grimalda plans to return to Germany without flying, aiming to cut his carbon emissions by 90%. He will instead travel using ferries, buses, trains, and cargo ships.

The institute gave Grimalda a three-day ultimatum to return by October 2, which would have forced him to fly, according to a statement from the climate group Scientist Rebellion.

Grimalda told Dinogo that the Kiel Institute warned him to “expect a second notice/request to show up in Kiel by plane,” after his failure to return. They stated that he would face a redundancy letter if he didn’t comply again.

He stated that his September salary remains unpaid, and his request for unpaid leave was rejected.

The Kiel Institute informed Dinogo that it does not discuss internal personnel issues publicly, but when employees travel for work, the Institute encourages climate-friendly travel options.

When asked about Grimalda's claim of not receiving his September salary, the Kiel Institute responded that it would not comment on internal personnel matters to protect its employees.

Grimalda, an experimental economist and member of Scientist Rebellion, had been conducting research in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea for six months, examining the impact of globalization, climate change, and social cohesion.

Grimalda’s official travel authorization expired on September 10, but his research extended due to multiple security risks, including being held hostage by armed individuals wielding machetes who confiscated all his possessions, according to a statement from Scientist Rebellion.

As the climate crisis deepens, the environmental impact of aviation is being scrutinized more than ever. Commercial aviation is responsible for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions annually, and with rising demand, emissions are expected to grow significantly in the coming years. In response, climate activists like Greta Thunberg have promoted more sustainable travel options such as by ship or train.

“I am ready to accept all the legal and financial repercussions of my decision,” Grimalda stated. “Ultimately, this is also a mental health issue. I can only describe my psychological state as one of climate anxiety, and flying only exacerbates this condition.”

Grimalda spent 35 days traveling from Germany to Papua New Guinea earlier this year, covering 15,000 kilometers (9,321 miles) overland to Singapore before taking a flight for the final leg of the journey.

Grimalda is still in Papua New Guinea, preparing to depart on a cargo ship on October 8 for his long journey back to Germany.