“A shining example of dedicated leadership within global health”: Johan Rockström receives Virchow Prize 2024

“Johan Rockström receives the prize for his pioneering contributions to the analysis and understanding of the importance of planetary boundaries”, states the Virchow Prize Committee, an independent jury of international experts from various fields. ”His work serves as paramount example of comprehensive systems thinking with utmost critical impact on human health and planetary health. The concept of planetary boundaries has influenced the global policy debate while advancing the scientific understanding and awareness on the urgency of tackling climate change.” The PIK Director is described as “a shining example of dedicated leadership within global health who shows how, in the spirit of Rudolf Virchow, significant progress can be achieved by interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral science towards the implementation of health for all.”

Ottmar Edenhofer, scientific Director at PIK, adds: “I’m delighted that Johan Rockström has received this prestigious award in recognition of his crucial work on planetary boundaries – they are key when it comes to securing planetary health. Planetary Boundaries and the concept of Global Commons complement one another, integrating risk and solutions research from local to global levels. These concepts form the foundation of our scientific research at the Potsdam Institute and are crucial to protect our climate and subsequently our health and development. "

Johan Rockström shares the prize with Lucy Gilson, the head of the Health Policy and Systems Division at Cape Town University and Professor of Health Policy and Systems at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Addressing health challenges linked to environmental stewardship and social equity

 “I'm deeply honoured to receive the Virchow Prize 2024, together with Lucy Gilson, as it underlines that the health of our planet and human health are closely linked”, states Rockström. “Human prosperity and social inclusion depend on respecting planetary boundaries, yet our actions are endangering both our climate and health. With rising global temperatures, extreme weather events like floods and droughts are becoming more frequent. The climate and ecological crisis is clearly exacerbating the health challenge. We must treat our planet as a shared public good and act urgently to stay within planetary boundaries. Health is probably our best means in reaching out to decision-makers and citizens around the world, because it affects all of us.”

The Virchow Prize recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements with significant impact on worldwide health challenges. Established in 2022, it is awarded by the Virchow Foundation and endowed with €500,000. Johan Rockström will receive the Virchow Prize 2024 at a dedicated ceremony in Berlin, Germany, on October 12.