Irreversible tipping points, winning narratives and whether transformation will be too late with Johan Rockstrom

In this special edition of the Futuring Podcast, Forum’s Founder, environmental activist and author, Jonathon Porritt, sits down with Johan Rockstrom, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and former Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute and Stockholm Resilience Centre.

As one of the world’s leading climatologists, Johan Rockström has witnessed the evolution of climate science over the last three decades.

Tune in to hear Johan share how over the period of 25 years, the evidence for anthropogenic climate change has moved from hypothesis to hard-edged, observable fact. He reflects on the stark reality of the irreversibility of some climate impacts, such as sea-level rise, and warns that we now have a very narrow window for action to secure a ‘safe operating space’ for humanity.

Explore more at thefuturescentre.org/fos2021

About the Future of Sustainability: Looking Back to Go Forward

Produced by international sustainability non-profit, Forum for the Future, the Future of Sustainability: Looking Back to Go Forward is a unique opinion and commentary series set to explore lessons learned from the last 25 years in the sustainability movement and what they mean for the future.

Based on new and exclusive insights from diverse voices across the sustainability movement, we'll examine where we have succeeded and where we have failed in creating real change. We’ll consider how the world is responding to today's multifaceted challenges and opportunities, and what pivots might be needed if we’re to deliver at scale and pace. Lastly, we'll look forward - exploring how we can reframe the goals of the system, reset our ambition, and encourage the adoption of new mindsets and approaches critical to creating what’s really needed: a truly just and regenerative future. 

With thanks to our partners
Looking Back to Go Forward was made possible thanks to the generous support from our partners: Laudes Foundation, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Target, M&S, Capgemini, Bupa, 3M, CTPA, Burberry, Olam Food Ingredients, and in particular our headline sponsor, SC Johnson

All opinions expressed by their interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Forum for the Future.
Interview recorded on 7th October 2021.

This audio features the song "Boulevard" by Yung Kartz available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.