Global Climate Change expert to visit Edinburgh for 44th TB Macaulay Lecture

The free lecture will provide the latest scientific analysis and results on earth’s climate health and provide an update on the global initiative "Earth for All" pathways towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals within planetary boundaries.

Professor Rockström will reflect on where we stand shortly before the COP28 to be held in Dubai later this year, as well as the corrective action he believes is necessary to keep the entire system in its current inter-glacial state. 

Speaking about his upcoming appearance, Professor Rockström said: "The doors are rapidly closing for humanity to come back in time within the safe operating space of a stable planet. Nothing less than global transformation across all sectors in society is urgently needed, to have any chance of generating science aligned course corrections of world development.

“The Macaulay lecture in Scotland on the 18th of October will be a great opportunity to share the latest science on safe and just planetary boundaries and discuss levers of change [needed] to unleash positive tipping points."

The TB Macaulay Lecture is Scotland’s largest and longest running public science lecture and the leading platform for discussion around critical sustainability challenges. It features high-profile political figures and academics, with previous speakers including Christiana Figueres, the architect of the Paris Climate Agreement, and Professor Dieter Helm CBE, Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford.

Franceska van Dijk, Chair of the Macaulay Development Trust said:“Johan Rockström brings deep, fresh insight to global sustainability challenges, shining light on the key levers for change for a habitable world. His engaging style and unparalleled understanding of planetary systems will inspire and energise everyone who attends. This Macaulay Lecture is an unmissable highlight for all those involved in environmental social and economic change in Scotland.”

Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of The James Hutton Institute said: "We very much look forward to welcoming Professor Rockström to deliver this year’s TB Macaulay lecture.He is exceptionally good at connecting with many parts of society, from scientists across the natural and social spectrum, to politicians and the public.  

“His discovery of the planetary boundaries' framework has been acclaimed as essential for understanding how to maintain a safe environment for humanity, and his insight will help to drive home how vital it is for us to take urgent action to save the earth.”