Rockström gained international recognition with the development of the Planetary Boundaries framework, which has since become a standard of sustainability science. He is deeply involved in research activities covering various topics related to the Earth System and global sustainability in the Anthropocene. Johan Rockström’s research has considerable impact, and Clarivate Analytics ranks him as one of the most influential and most-cited scientists in the world.

Before becoming Director of the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research, Rockström founded the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University and was Executive Director at the Stockholm Environment Institute.