Professor Johan Rockström - Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

The discussion highlights the urgent need to address climate change, emphasizing the critical role of land in maintaining planetary stability. Professor Johan Rockström explains that land interacts with seven of the nine planetary boundaries, and six of these are currently outside the safe space. The period from 2025 to 2030 is crucial for reversing trends in land degradation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. The Global Commission on Economics of Water introduces a new perspective on freshwater as a global common good, stressing the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Financial implications of inaction are severe, with potential GDP losses of up to 15% in low-income nations by 2050 due to freshwater degradation. The European Union is recognized as a leader in climate action, having reduced emissions by over 25%. The EU's regulatory approach is contrasted with the US's incentive-based system. Professor Rockström advocates for more regulatory frameworks to accelerate decarbonization.