Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström

Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström

Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström, an internationally recognised scientist, is the director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. A leading scientist on global sustainability issues, he also serves as a professor at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Science at Potsdam University, focusing on earth resilience and rapid global change.

Scientist

Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström is a globally renowned expert on sustainability, best known for his groundbreaking work on the Planetary Boundaries framework. This framework has become a cornerstone of earth system science, shaping the way professional scientists understand and address environmental limits.

Beyond this, he’s an authority on global water resources, with over 25 years of hands-on experience studying water systems in tropical regions. His impressive body of work includes more than 150 research publications, covering topics from practical land and water management to strategies for achieving global sustainability and promoting healthy diets.

Rockström’s research has left a significant mark on the scientific community and beyond. Rockström’s research aimed to provide actionable insights into pressing global challenges. As a chief scientist, he was awarded the highly esteemed European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant, a testament to the importance of his contributions.

He’s also consistently ranked among the world’s most influential and widely cited scientists by Clarivate Analytics. In collaboration with an internationally renowned team, his work plays a key role in shaping policy decisions, offering practical solutions to some of the planet’s biggest challenges, including climate change research.

A Global Leader in Sustainability and Climate Action Advocacy

On top of that, Rockström plays a key lecturer role in providing scientific direction as part of the European Commission’s Expert Group, ‘Mission Board for Adaptation to Climate Change, including Societal Transformation,’ and the ‘Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.’ He’s also a trusted advisor on sustainability topics at major global gatherings like the World Economic Forum, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC).

These noteworthy international meetings bring together leaders from international organisations, multilateral government organisations, and business networks to foster impactful collaboration and share diverse perspectives. Beyond these contributions, Professor Rockström leads the advisory board for the EAT Foundation and the Earth League, where he promotes conservation innovation and supports myriad international scientific initiatives. He also shares the leadership role as co-chair of the Earth Commission, actively working alongside global organisations like Conservation International to drive sustainable solutions.

His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, earning him several prestigious awards. Among his most recent honours are the Prince Albert II of Monaco Climate Change Award in 2020, the Hillary Laureate from the Hillary Institute of International Leadership in 2017, and recognition through accolades like the International Cosmos Prize for his contributions to sustainability and global environmental advocacy.

Johan Rockström’s Educational Background

Before stepping into his role as Director of the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research, Johan Rockström was the driving force behind the creation of the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University. He also held the position of executive director at the Stockholm Environment Institute and has delivered renowned TED Talks on global sustainability, addressing global sustainability issues and critical aspects of human development and the global food system in the context of rapid global change.

His academic journey is just as impressive. Rockström earned a Master of Science (MSc) from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, followed by a Diplôme d’Agronomie Approfondie (DAA) from Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon. He later achieved a Licentiate of Philosophy (PhLic) and went on to complete a PhD in Natural Resources Management, both at Stockholm University.

His work has been widely recognised in English and Swedish media, where his expertise in sustainability and climate solutions is frequently highlighted. Alongside his accolades, Rockström has received the French distinction Knight of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques for his contributions to science and education. He has also been honoured with an environmental award for his groundbreaking contributions.

As a member of prestigious organisations, including the British Ecological Society, the Zoological Society, and the Swedish Association for Sustainability Science, Rockström continues to shape the future trajectory of global environmental research and the world’s transition to sustainable systems.

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