Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Co-Chair of the Earth Commission, which is hosted by Future Earth, has been named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023.

Author and environmentalist Bill McKibben summarized Rockström’s contributions to climate science, saying:

“Rockstrom helped pioneer the concept of “planetary boundaries,” environmental guidelines and limits that people need to operate within in order to keep humanity safe. His team has identified nine we shouldn’t cross, including not just heating the earth, but also acidifying its oceans and degrading its ozone layer…His work is crucial to understanding the interconnected crises facing our planet and is shaping the path forward, guiding leaders on how to turn complex science into clear, quantifiable actions.”

Forthcoming research from the Earth Commission will define safe and just Earth system boundaries for people and the planet.

Rockström reacted to the news on Twitter:

Later this month, TIME will convene leaders from the global TIME100 Community for its 2023 Summit with a special focus on climate action leadership.