The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the most authoritative gathering of climate scientists, setting the agenda for policy makers. Last week, South Korean economist Hoesung Lee was elected as the new chairman. In an interview with Nature he says: “I would like to be remembered as the chairman that shifted the IPCC’s focus to solutions. We have the knowledge and the technology not only to tackle climate change but also to build a much more prosperous and equitable society in this process. There’s a great deal to be concerned about, but there is also a great deal to be excited about.”