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Groundbreaking Research on Planetary Boundaries – Johan Rockström Receives Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement

Media information: 17-05-2024 / No. 040

Tyler Prize winner Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström in a panel discussion with the Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius in the Audimax of the University of Potsdam.
Photo : Thomas Roese
Tyler Prize winner Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström in a panel discussion with the Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius, today in the Audimax of the University of Potsdam.

Climate researcher Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström was awarded the prestigious 2024 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement in Potsdam today. Rockström, Scientific Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Professor for Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam received the prize, worth 250,000 USD and often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for Environment", for his groundbreaking research on Planetary Boundaries. These define a safe operating space for humanity on earth, providing a foundation for human justice. By honoring Rockström for his "science-based approach to sustainable development for people on a stable and resilient planet," the Executive Committee of the Tyler Prize emphasized the need for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to tackling the growing ecological crises.

"We are just as delighted as our colleague Johan Rockström about this well-deserved prestigious award," said the President of the University of Potsdam, Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D., who opened the event. "Johan has never considered himself a researcher in an ivory tower – despite the fact that he is one of the most cited scientists in the world – but has always sought dialog with the public in order to advise politicians and bring about social change. He has often been criticized for this, but Johan Rockström has not let it get to him. Instead, he has stayed the course and contributed to controversial public debates on the basis of his scientific findings – and successfully so! Johan deserves the highest recognition for this. The University of Potsdam is proud of Prof. Rockström and considers itself lucky to have him among its professors," Günther concluded.

Johan Rockström is one of the most cited researchers in the world. His concept of Planetary Boundaries, first published in 2009, defines the framework within which humanity can safely develop in a natural world. It describes the nine systems that determine the functioning and the state of the planet. They serve to sustain human life and encompass the biophysical systems and processes on which humanity depends, such as clean water, a stable climate, and vibrant biodiversity. This framework has been instrumental in shaping the public response to climate change and sustainable development, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Established in 1973, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement recognizes global leaders in the field of environment research and sustainability. Previous laureates include Jane Goodall, Michael Mann, Daniel Pauly, and Gretchen Daily.

Further information:
https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/latest-news/201can-invaluable-contribution-to-our-planet2019s-welfare201d-johan-rockstrom-awarded-tyler-prize-for-environmental-achievement
https://tylerprize.org/

Photo: Tyler Prize winner Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström in a panel discussion with the Director of the Alfred Wegener [RJ1] Institute, Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius, today in the Audimax of the University of Potsdam. Photo: Thomas Roese

Contacts:
Dr. Silke Engel, Press and Public Relations Department of the University of Potsdam
Phone: +49 331 977-1496, E-Mail: silke.engel@uni-potsdam.de
Press Office of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
Phone: +49 331 288-2507, E-Mail: presse@pik-potsdam.de

Media information: 17-05-2024 / No. 040

 [RJ1]Ebenfalls im DE zu korrigieren.