Dr. Johan Rockström is a globally renowned scientist whose leadership has fundamentally transformed the field of global sustainability science. He currently serves as Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany and holds dual professorships at the University of Potsdam in Earth System Science and Stockholm University in Water Systems and Global Sustainability. Following his PhD in ecology from Stockholm University in 1997, he dedicated nearly two decades to applied water research in tropical regions before expanding his focus to planetary-scale challenges. His distinguished leadership includes serving as Executive Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute from 2004 to 2012 and founding Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre from 2007 to 2018, where he established himself as a visionary in Earth system science.
Professor Rockström pioneered the groundbreaking planetary boundaries framework, first published in 2009 with significant updates in 2015, which has revolutionized sustainability science by identifying nine critical Earth system processes that must remain within safe limits to maintain a stable environment for humanity. His research has been published in over 100 scientific articles in leading journals including Nature and Science, with his planetary boundaries work accumulating thousands of citations and becoming the cornerstone of international sustainability policy frameworks. As an expert in water resources with extensive field experience in tropical regions, he has made significant contributions to understanding the interconnections between agricultural systems, land use, and ecosystem services in water scarce environments. The planetary boundaries framework has been embraced globally as a standard approach to sustainable development, guiding governments, international organizations, and corporations in establishing science-based sustainability strategies that recognize ecological limits.
Beyond his academic contributions, Johan Rockström is Chief Scientist at Conservation International and provides strategic guidance to numerous high-level international bodies including the United Nations General Assembly, World Economic Forum, and UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. His influential advisory roles extend to the European Commission's Expert Group on Climate Change Adaptation and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, where he helps shape global sustainability policy and scientific consensus. Recognized with prestigious honors including the 2024 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, the German Environmental Award, his work continues to evolve through initiatives like the Earth Commission and Planetary Boundaries Science Initiative. Professor Rockström remains dedicated to advancing research on Earth system tipping points and the Anthropocene's future trajectory, while emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable transformations that operate within planetary boundaries to ensure long-term human prosperity.
