Thursday 9 April 2026
07:45
Professor Dr Johan Rockström
Planetary Boundaries
Earth is one, interconnected system, and to protect it we must address root causes, not just symptoms. That is why Johan and more than twenty-eight leading scientists developed the Planetary Boundaries framework. It identifies nine critical Planetary Boundaries within which humanity can thrive. Today, seven of the nine boundaries have already been crossed. Yet there is still hope. John will explain how the framework helps us understand risks, anticipate tipping points, and guide solutions for a healthier relationship between people and planet.
Johan is an internationally recognised scientist on global sustainability and Earth resilience. He led the development of the Planetary Boundaries framework for human development in the current era of rapid global change. He is deeply involved in research on the future trajectory of the Anthropocene and tipping points in the Earth system. With more than 25 years experience in applied water research in tropical regions, he is also a leading scientist on global water resources. Professor Rockström is a driving force behind myriad international scientific initiatives, including the Earth Commission and the Planetary Boundaries Science Initiative, as well as actively consulting on global sustainability issues for national and multilateral government organisations and business networks.
Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor in Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam
Johan is an internationally recognised scientist on global sustainability and Earth resilience. He led the development of the Planetary Boundaries framework for human development in the current era of rapid global change. He is deeply involved in research on the future trajectory of the Anthropocene and tipping points in the Earth system. With more than 25 years experience in applied water research in tropical regions, he is also a leading scientist on global water resources. Professor Rockström is a driving force behind myriad international scientific initiatives, including the Earth Commission and the Planetary Boundaries Science Initiative, as well as actively consulting on global sustainability issues for national and multilateral government organisations and business networks.