\n<\/p>\n
A pioneer in the field of sustainability has earned a major honor.<\/p>\n
Johan Rockstr\u00f6m is this year\u2019s winner of the Tyler Prize, known colloquially as the \u201cNobel Prize for the environment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rockstr\u00f6m, the director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and chief scientist for Conservation International, was recognized for his work developing the planetary boundaries framework, which gauges Earth\u2019s ability to sustain humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n Rockstr\u00f6m and his team introduced the concept in 2009 and have since provided several updates; the latest research<\/a>, released in 2023, carried grim news: It showed that six of the nine boundaries had already transgressed beyond a \u201csafe operating space.\u201d As a result, Rockstr\u00f6m has warned that breaching tipping points risks \u201cirreversibly shifting\u201d life on Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe have transformed irreversibly too much of planet Earth, but we still see evidence that we can keep the planet in a close enough state to the Holocene to continue supporting humanity,\u201d he said, referring to the current geologic epoch dating back to the end of the ice age. \u201cAnd that’s what the planet boundaries are about, setting that playing field for a planet to remain in a Holocene-like state to support humanity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe planetary boundaries science is a critical measurement framework for the world to ensure we protect our life support systems,\u201d said Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and one of the Planetary Guardians<\/a>, a group of leaders who elevate climate science in an effort to bolster collective action. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled that Johan Rockstro\u0308m is receiving this prestigious prize.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n In all, Rockstr\u00f6m has published over 100 research articles and four books, in addition to TED<\/a> Talks<\/a>, a Netflix<\/a> film, and other media acclaim. Previously, he received the German Environmental Award and the Zoological Society of London Award for Conservation Innovation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cJohan is one of the most-cited scientists in the world, and for good reason,\u201d said Conservation International CEO M. Sanjayan. \u201cHis research around planetary boundaries has transformed how we talk about Earth\u2019s life-sustaining systems and humanity\u2019s impact on them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Tyler Prize was created in 1973 by dedicated conservationists and philanthropists John and Alice Tyler \u2014 and inaugurated by then-governor of California Ronald Reagan. The award aims to recognize and inspire those working to preserve our natural world, and it includes a $250,000 prize. The Tyler Prize Executive Committee said Rockstr\u00f6m was chosen for his \u201cscience-based approach to sustainable development for people on a stable and resilient planet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cProfessor Rockstro\u0308m\u2019s work embodies the spirit of the Tyler Prize,\u201d said Tyler Prize Chair Julia Marton-Lefe\u0300vre. \u201cHis scientific achievements, coupled with his ability to influence policy and engage with the public, have made an invaluable contribution to our planet\u2019s welfare.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Conservation International vice chair Harrison Ford called Rockstr\u00f6m \u201ca trailblazer, a brilliant mind, a remarkable person,\u201d adding: \u201cWe need to listen to scientists like Johan Rockstr\u00f6m.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Further reading:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n Max Marcovitch is a staff writer at Conservation International. Want to read more stories like this? Sign up for email updates here<\/a>. Donate to Conservation International here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n