First of its kind annual health check of the planet has been just launched in NY on September 23 under the leadership of Prof Rockstrom. The message is stark. The world urgently needs to ignite the massive transformation of its current economic system so that we continue to thrive within the planetary boundaries. After the presentation by Prof. Rockström, Professor Ishii will join him, in a conversation to discuss (1) the role of science in alerting humanity of the crisis we are in, with particular focus of the impact of Planetary Boundaries framework on raising awareness and promoting policy discussion, (2) the progress we have made in responding the message from the science the chances of overcoming this crisis, and what it will take to return to a safe operating space, and (3) what is the mechanism we need to seek to govern the global commons.

Science tells us that we are completely out of balance with the planetary system. We have failed to govern the global commons – our stable and resilient planetary system, which is the very foundation of our civilization. What is the most promising pathway to get us back on track to sustainability and prosperity? What political, economic, or social mechanisms is needed to govern the global commons? How can the world address increasing inequality, which is a destabilizing factor to the global prosperity?

Our economic system has pushed the carrying capacity of natural systems to their limit. We have taken nature as a free good and exhausted it. Now we are witnessing the huge bill of our own deeds. Belatedly several nature-related initiatives have begun, but they often view nature from a risk perspective. Can we find a way to appreciate nature as an investable asset, encouraging financial flows into actions that safeguard it?

Science tells us that we need to achieve net zero globally by around mid-century to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change. While respecting this scientific imperative, many leaders recognize that each region may need to tailor its pathways to its specific needs and conditions. For example, can Japan, which is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, achieve net zero in time? What is the message for ASEAN counties? How will global experts observe the landscape and what is their advice?

For the sake of humanity’s prosperity and sustainability, we must transform our economic system. We have learned, at a great cost, that any transition or transformation must be fair and just. Now that it has become clear that we are greatly out of balance with planetary system, how can we embed resilience into the system transformation we are designing?