To promote academic exchange in the field of paleoclimatology and broaden the international perspectives and research thinking of our students, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, offered the international summer course "Frontiers and Advances in Paleoclimate Research" from August 10 to 14, 2026. The course was delivered by invited Prof. Hans W. Linderholm from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and was organized by Prof. Wang Xuejia of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University.
Prof. Hans W. Linderholm systematically introduced the fundamental theories, common methods, and frontier advances in paleoclimate research. The course covered the Earth's climate system, timescales of paleoclimate change, and common proxy indicators such as tree rings and ice cores. Topics included the characteristics and applications of high-resolution and low-resolution proxy indicators, climate reconstruction methods, Quaternary climate variability, pre-industrial climate background, and climate tipping points. In a dedicated session on scientific writing, he provided a detailed explanation of the structural framework of scientific papers, strategies for writing the results and discussion sections, key points in figure and table design, and practical tips for submission and revision. He emphasized that a clear "storytelling" logic and high-quality figure design are critical factors for successful publication.
When discussing the practical significance of paleoclimate research, Prof. Hans W. Linderholm pointed out that instrumental observations only began in the mid‑19th century, providing a limited temporal perspective. In contrast, past climate records reconstructed from proxy indicators such as ice cores and tree rings can provide a long‑term context for assessing the anomaly of current warming. Paleoclimate data can also be used to constrain and improve climate models, enhancing the accuracy of future climate predictions. The course also explored the complex interconnections between climate change and the rise and fall of human societies through case studies, including the collapse of the Moche civilization and the decline of the Khmer Empire.
This course adopted a diversified teaching model combining lectures, literature reading, group discussions, and student presentations. During the course, students conducted group literature presentations and discussions on two major themes: the "Younger Dryas event" and "pre-industrial climate". Each student also delivered a presentation on their own research work. Prof. Hans W. Linderholm and Prof. Wang Xuejia provided individual feedback on each student's presentation, offering suggestions on research approaches and methodologies.
This summer course provided a valuable opportunity for faculty and students at Lanzhou University to engage in face‑to‑face academic exchange with an internationally renowned scholar. The English‑only teaching environment not only enhanced students' professional English proficiency but also deepened their understanding of the frontiers of paleoclimate research. Through literature presentations, thematic discussions, and individual research reports, students' academic presentation skills and research thinking abilities were substantially strengthened.
The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, has always been committed to promoting high‑level international academic exchange and cooperation. The successful hosting of this international summer course has not only strengthened the School's discipline construction in the field of paleoclimatology but also provided an important platform for cultivating research talents with international perspectives and innovative capabilities. In the future, the School will continue to leverage its disciplinary strengths, deepen cooperation with world‑class scholars, and contribute to the advancement of climate change research.
Reporter profile:
Hans W. Linderholm is a Professor at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, where he serves as Head of the Department of Earth Sciences, Director of the Swedish side of the Sino‑Swedish Tree Ring Research Center (SISTRR), and Deputy Director of the Regional Climate Group (RCG). He has long been engaged in research on tree rings and global change, as well as paleoclimate and environmental change. His research focuses on the spatiotemporal characteristics, driving mechanisms, and environmental responses of past climate change. He is dedicated to utilizing various climate archives—including tree rings, ice cores, sediments, and stable isotopes—to reveal patterns of natural climate variability, providing historical references for understanding modern climate change and its potential impacts. He has published over 180 academic papers in international journals, including top‑tier publications such as Nature, Science, and their sub‑journals.
