Scientists increasingly warn that humanity is about to trigger critical Earth system tipping points. We are fast approaching critical planetary boundaries and have, in fact, already crossed six out of nine boundaries – with detrimental impacts for planet, society and economy. The need for timely, coordinated governance responses becomes ever more urgent. We invite you to join a conversation of leading experts on issues at the forefront of global environmental governance.

Building on the latest scientific insights into Earth system risks, including the potential for non-linear, cascading, and compounding impacts, we will explore actionable solutions that could help safeguard human flourishing and global stability and present bold proposals for international cooperation.

The event will consist of two parts. The first part, at 3 pm, is a closed-door workshop which will include the Climate Governance Commission and THE NEW INSTITUTE’s Planetary Governance Program, invited international leading scientists (e.g., Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Stimson Center, UNU-CPR, UN Foundation, Global Commons Alliance/Earth Commission, Project Starling), global governance experts, as well as policy-makers to identify and discuss high priority governance proposals, and possible next steps for the developments of policy and governance solutions to sufficiently monitor and respond to Earth system destabilizations and risks.

The second part, starting at 6 pm, will be a public panel discussion and Q&A with the audience both on the science and the various solutions to be discussed (e.g., the enhancement of international Earth system monitoring capacity, a declaration of the UN General Assembly on novel Earth system risks, the convening of a Planetary Emergency Platform, and the establishment of a Global Climate and Nature Policy Innovation Hub).

Panel 1 - State of the art in science & ideas for governance innovations

1. David Obura, Chair, IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), Director, CORDIO East Africa, Member, Earth Commission
2. Maja Groff, Chair of the Planetary Governance Program, The New Institute, and Convenor, Climate Governance Commission
3. Donovan Dennis, PostDoc in Earth Resilience Science Unit ERSU and project coordinator for the Tipping Points Modelling Intercomparison Project (TIPMIP), Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact
4. Manjana Milkoreit, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oslo Department of Sociology and Human Geography

Panel 2 - Discussion of ideas for governance responses and navigating the international system

1. Sebastian Schinele, Advocacy Director, Global Commons Alliance
2. George Hampton, Executive Director for Global Policy and Multilateral Initiatives, UN Foundation
3. Minh-Thu Pham, CEO, Project Starling (TBC)
4. Wendy Broadgate, Executive Director, Earth Commission (TBC)