PBL Academy Lecture 2026 Johan Rockström
A healthy diet, a healthy planet: Transformation towards a safe climate future
- Johan Rockström, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Johan Rockström is an internationally renowned scientist in the field of global sustainability and Earth’s resilience. He leads the development of the planetary boundaries framework to assess Earth’s sustainability. He was also co-chair of the EAT-Lancet Commission, which mapped out possibilities for a healthier and more sustainable diet.
On Monday 23 March, he will give the PBL Academy Lecture 2026 in the Atrium of B30, Bezuidenhoutseweg 30 in The Hague. In the lecture, Professor Rockström will talk about his concept of planetary boundaries, especially in relation to the food system and the possibilities for transformation to stay within these planetary boundaries.
Our food and agricultural systems
Scientists have determined what possible limits exist for humans to interact with Earth in a safe and just operating space. However, humanity is currently exceeding many of these ‘Planetary Boundaries’. The agricultural and food system plays a crucial role in exceeding these boundaries due to biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. The current system not only threatens long-term security, but also contributes to unhealthy dietary patterns.
For our health and long-term food security, it is therefore essential to transform the food system within Planetary Boundaries. This requires transformative change, says Professor Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), and Professor of Earth System Science and the University of Potsdam. Two experts will provide a panel reflection: Professor Marianne Geleijnse, Professor of Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease, and Professor Hannah van Zanten, Professor of Earth Systems and Global Change, both from Wageningen University. Afterwards, there will be room for questions from the audience.
Program
| Time | Program section |
|---|---|
| 14.30 | Arrival with tea and coffee |
| 15.00 | Welcome - Prof. Marko Hekkert, Director PBL and chair |
| 15.05 | Academy Lecture - Prof. Johan Rockström |
| 15.50 | Reflections - Prof. Marianne Geleijnse and Prof. Hannah van Zanten |
| 16.10 | Forum and discussion, including all speakers and Prof. Detlef van Vuuren |
| 16.30 | Conclusion - Prof. Marko Hekkert |
| 16.35 | Drinks |
The maximum number of participants has been reached so it's no longer possible to register for the lecture.
Once registered, should you (inadvertently) be unable to attend, please let us know via pbl-evenementen@pbl.nl.
Hopefully we will see you there! Sincerely,
Marko Hekkert and Carola Koper
Directors PBL