A variational proof for the existence of a conformal metric with preassigned negative Gaussian curvature for compact Riemann surfaces of genus \(>1\) (Q1348754)

Let \(M\) be a compact Riemann surface of genus \(g\) at least \(2\) and let \(K\) be an arbitrary smooth function on \(M\) with \(K<0\). The authors show that in every conformal class exists a metric which attains this function as its Gaussian curvature. This result was first proved by \textit{M. S. Berger} [J. Differ. Geom. 5, 325-332 (1971; Zbl 0222.53042)] and by \textit{J. L. Kazhdan} and \textit{F. W. Warner} [Ann. Math. (2) 99, 14-47 (1974; Zbl 0273.53034)]; the present proof is variational in result and uses analytic techniques - i.e. the existence of a Green's operator for the Laplacian.