Johan Rockström

Tyler Prize Laureate 2024

Understanding Earth’s safe operating space

Born: December 31, 1965, Finspång, Sweden
Affiliation at the time of the award: Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
Environmental achievement: recognized for his science-based approach to sustainable development for people on a stable and resilient planet.

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Johan Rockström

What if we could define the limits of Earth’s tolerance — and use that knowledge to protect our future?

That’s the revolutionary idea behind the Planetary Boundaries framework — and the reason Johan Rockström was awarded the 2024 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.

As one of the world’s most cited scientists, Rockström has redefined how we understand Earth’s complex systems. His Planetary Boundaries framework maps out the environmental thresholds that must not be crossed if humanity is to continue thriving — from climate and biodiversity to freshwater and land use.

This work has become foundational to global sustainability efforts — influencing everything from UN policy to corporate environmental standards. Rockström’s vision: a resilient, just, and science-driven pathway forward.

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Celebrating a Global Leader in Climate Science

In May 2024, the Tyler Prize community gathered in Potsdam, Germany to honor Johan Rockström’s extraordinary contribution to environmental science. The events included a Laureate Conversation and an award lunch, where global changemakers, scientists, and students came together to celebrate his legacy.