COP30: “Science shows that we can still have a safe landing below 1.5 °C”

“COP30 must start with an honest recognition of failure. We have so far failed to deliver on the commitments of the Paris Agreement. We are failing people today, and we are failing our children and future generations,” says Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor at the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC).

He calls for honesty and urgency and emphasizes that the world can turn things around – but only through immediate, large-scale transformation.

“All is not lost. The window is still open, while only barely, to turn things around. Science shows that we can still have a safe landing below 1.5 °C – but it requires acting on all fronts, simultaneously and with speed.”

Rockström highlights five essential priorities: achieving global net-zero by 2050, transforming food systems into carbon sinks, scaling up carbon dioxide removal, rapidly cutting methane and nitrous oxide emissions, and investing in nature-based solutions to restore planetary resilience.

“This is our chance to integrate Nature with Climate, and to take a truly planetary systems approach to solving the climate crisis. We are in the Amazon. Lose it, and we accelerate global warming. Save it, and we safeguard a major carbon sink – a planetary common and a life-support system for humanity.”

Highlighting resilience research

During COP30, SRC researchers together with international collaborators launch “Resilience Science Must-Knows” – a new synthesis highlighting the most critical scientific insights from resilience research.

Authored by Albert Norström, Cibele Queiroz, and Johan Rockström among others, the report underscores that resilience is not a theoretical concept but a practical foundation for navigating the climate and biodiversity crises.

Its insights are directly relevant to COP30’s agenda, especially in discussions on adaptation, equity, and the protection of natural systems.

“Building resilience means enabling societies and ecosystems to absorb shocks and still maintain their functions,” says Albert Norström. “It’s the backbone of sustainability – and essential to securing a safe operating space for humanity.”

Science guiding global action

During COP30, SRC researchers will also present other newly published reports with relevance for COP30, including Planetary Healthcheck 2025, The Global Tipping Point Report 2025, EAT-Lancet 2025, and 10 New Insights in Climate Science.

Together, these studies outline a coherent scientific pathway for humanity to return within the planet’s safe boundaries. As Johan Rockström concludes:
“Every tenth of a degree matters. We know what needs to be done, and we know it’s still possible. COP30 must be the moment when the world moves from words to action – for science, for nature, and for future generations.”

SRC at COP30

A team of scientists from the Stockholm Resilience Centre will be active throughout COP30, contributing scientific insights, engaging with policymakers, and sharing evidence-based perspectives on resilience and planetary stewardship.

The delegation includes Johan Rockström, Albert Norström, Laura Pereira, Cibele Queiroz, and Axel Eriksson (also a youth advisor to the UN Secretary-General).

For media requests, interviews, or expert commentary during COP30, please contact our researchers:

• Albert Norström – albert.norstrom@su.se
• Laura Pereira – laura.pereira@su.se
• Cibele Queiroz – Cibele.Queiroz@su.se
• Axel Eriksson – axel.eriksson@su.se

You can also contact our press officer Johan Lundberg - johan.lundberg@su.se