Johan Rockström is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Professor in Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam and Professor in Water Systems and Global Sustainability at the Stockholm University. He is an internationally recognized scientist on global sustainability issues and lobal water resources, and led the development of the Planetary Boundaries framework for human development in the current era of rapid global change.  

Johan Rockström is one of the world's leading scientists on global sustainability, climate change, resilience and global water resources. With over than 150 research publications, his work spans fields ranging from applied land and water management to global environmental policy.  Since 2018 he has served as Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Professor of Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam. Prior to his current roles, Rockström co-founded and directed the Stockholm Resilience Centre from 2004 until 2018. 

His research focuses on the critical intersections between human society and natural ecosystems, seeking solutions to ensure sustainable development while preserving the stability of Earth's systems. A key aspect of his work is the concept of planetary boundaries, which he co-developed with a team of scientists in 2009. This framework identifies nine Earth system processes, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean acidification, that are essential for maintaining a livable and resilient planet. The planetary boundaries framework has become a cornerstone of global sustainability discussions, offering a science-based approach for policymakers and businesses to operate within safe environmental limits. 

Professor Rockström co-chairs several international initiatives that seek to advance and synthesize the cutting-edge Earth system science into actionable recommendations for policymakers, including the Earth Commission, the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, and the Planetary Boundary Science Initiative. 

In recognition of his contributions to environmental science and policy, Rockström has received numerous awards, i.a. the *German Environmental Prize*, the *Stockholm Water Prize*, the *Prince Albert II of Monaco Climate Change Award* and most recently the *Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement* and the *Virchow Prize towards Health for all* for his contributions to environmental science and policy.