Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, was today announced the winner of the 2024 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for his pioneering work on the “Planetary Boundaries” framework, a scientific guide to help keep the planet in a safe operating space.

Rockström has been a member of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity Jury since its inception and brings globally recognised scientific and public policy expertise. One of the most-cited researchers in the world, his Planetary Boundaries framework seeks to identify the natural systems that make human life on Earth possible and the amount of change that humans can safely make within them without severely altering life on the planet as we know it.

The Tyler Prize Executive Committee awarded the USD$250,000 Prize to Rockström for his “science-based approach to sustainable development for people on a stable and resilient planet”, citing the need for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to the mounting environmental crises. Often called the “Nobel Prize for the Environment,” past winners include Jane Goodall, Michael Mann, Daniel Pauly, and Gretchen Daily, among others.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation launched the annual 1 million euros Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in 2020 to celebrate the people, organisations and groups making outstanding contributions to climate action and solutions that inspire hope. The independent Jury, chaired by Angela Merkel and composed of Rockström, as well as other experts in Earth system science, climate action, environmentalism and climate justice, is responsible for identifying the Prize winners. To date, they have awarded 4 million euros to different approaches to climate action. The funding has supported people facing the worst impacts of climate change and enabled winners to make huge advances scaling climate action.

Rockström has long been a champion of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity’s ambition, and at COP28 joined a panel discussion hosted by the Foundation to share his expertise on scaling climate solutions. His dedication to environmental sustainability through various initiatives has led to recognition with numerous awards, media interest and appointments on advisory boards to governments and multilateral networks, including the United Nations General Assemblies, World Economic Forums, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences.

“Johan Rockström’s ability to communicate complex Earth science in a relatable way and use his pioneering research to push for faster, more equitable climate action is an inspiration for us all. He has been an important advisor to the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, and his expertise has contributed to the Foundation identifying unique and commendable examples of climate action across the globe. We are delighted that his achievements have been recognised by the Tyler Prize.”

— Louisa Hooper, Director, Sustainability Programme and UK Branch, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation