First launched in 2009, the planetary boundaries framework is a science-based health check of the nine processes that keep our planet stable and resilient. The development of this framework, now a standard for sustainability science, was led by Johan Rockström. In his keynote presentation at Frontiers Forum Live 2023, Johan explained that humans are now the dominating force of change to the Earth system, and that we have a short window open to keep the planet in a Holocene-like interglacial state.

The planetary boundaries framework demonstrates that we're starting to see the loss of resilience that the Earth system needs to be able to correct itself, even if we do decarbonize rapidly and achieve our net zero goals. Johan outlined the latest progress on the development of the planetary boundaries framework and concluded that science has a fundamental role to play in the transformational, innovative and equitable, global sustainability transition that is required to ensure that we remain within a safe and just operating space for humanity and biodiversity on Earth.

Professor Johan Rockström is director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and was recently named one of Time's 100 most influential people of 2023. He's a global expert on sustainability issues and global water resources, and one of the most cited researchers in the world. Johan is additionally Chief Scientist of Conservation International and acts as an advisor on sustainable development issues at international meetings including the World Economic Forum, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences (UNFCCC).

Frontiers Forum Live showcases science-led solutions for healthy lives on a healthy planet. The event is held annually in Montreux, Switzerland and there are virtual sessions throughout the year. Find out more and watch previous sessions at https://forum.frontiersin.org/.