How close are we to destabilizing the systems that keep Earth livable?

For thousands of years, our planet has provided a stable foundation for human civilization. Today, that stability is under increasing pressure.

The planetary boundaries framework helps explain why—identifying the critical thresholds that maintain the balance of Earth’s systems. Crossing them increases the risk of large-scale and potentially irreversible change.

In this Villars Distinguished Lecture, Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and one of the framework’s leading architects, outlines where we stand today, why it matters, and how close we may be to key tipping points.

For those looking to build a deeper understanding of the Earth system and the climate challenge, this offers a strong, science-based foundation.