Sweden supports two major figures leading the fight against climate change: Greta Thunberg and climate scientist Johan Rockström. Time Magazine recognized Johan Rockström’s contributions by naming him one of the most influential people in the world. Rockström, who directs the climate research institute in Potsdam, Germany, helped develop the “planetary boundaries” concept that outlines environmental guidelines and limitations essential for preserving humanity’s safety. Time describes his work as vital for understanding and addressing the interconnected crises facing our planet. Other honorees on this year’s list include US President Joe Biden, actors Jennifer Cooldige and Pedro Pascal, and author and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. Rockström expresses gratitude for the recognition and emphasizes the importance of science beyond scientific circles. He has appeared in multiple media outlets and received several medals for his work, including from the king.
Sweden stands behind two of the most important people in the fight to save the climate, Greta Thunberg and climate scientist Johan Rockström. That’s what Time Magazine means when they now appoint Johan Rockström as one of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Johan Rockström, who is director of the climate research institute in Potsdam in Germany, is praised, among other things, for having been involved in developing a concept of so-called “planetary boundaries”. It contains various guidelines and limitations around the environment that we must stay within to keep humanity safe.
Times describes Johan Rockström’s work as: “crucial to understanding the interconnected crises facing our planet and shaping the way forward, by guiding leaders in how to transform complex science into clear quantifiable actions”.
– I am very honored to be part of the Times 100 list. This is a confirmation of the importance and global scope of our research at the Climate Research Institute in Potsdam. It also shows that science matters, not only in scientific circles but also outside, in politics, in society and in the whole world, says Johan Rockström in a press release.
Johan Rockström has previously both Summer and Winter Talk in P1, gave Ted talks and figured as a protagonist in Netflix’s climate documentary “Breaking boundaries: The science of our planet” (2021). In addition, he has received several medals from the king for his work.
Others who have qualified for the list of the world’s most influential are US President Joe Biden, actors Jennifer Cooldige and Pedro Pascal, and author and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested by the Russian security service FSB on suspicion of espionage at the end of March this year, is also on the list.