Katherine Richardson receives Planet Earth Award
For her contributions to the development of Earth system science, the planetary boundaries framework, and engagement in international science-policy work, Professor Katherine Richardson receives the AWS Planet Earth Award.
The Alliance of World Scientists (AWS) has announced the 2025 recipients of the Planet Earth Award, including Katherine Richardson, Professor at Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen.
The Planet Earth Award acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional creativity or contributions in their work in science or science-based advocacy with the public, policymakers, or other groups seeking solutions to environmental challenges:
-The Alliance of World Scientists is honoured to present a 2025 Planet Earth Award to Dr. Katherine Richardson for her decades of groundbreaking environmental research and commitment to bridging science and policy, says William Ripple, director of the 27,000 member Alliance of World Scientists and professor at Oregon State University.
Significant contributions and engagement
The award committee highlights Katherine Richardson for her decade long contributions to the development of Earth system science, and for her role as one of the main architects behind the “planetary boundaries” framework:
-Dr. Katherine Richardson’s pioneering contributions have been instrumental in shaping global sustainability efforts. Her work has provided critical insights into the limits within which humanity must operate to maintain a stable planet, says William Ripple.
In 2023, Katherine Richardson led the update of the planetary boundaries framework titled “Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries”. Here, Katherine Richardson and her colleagues show how human activities are increasingly impacting the planet and, thereby, increasing the risk of triggering dramatic changes in overall Earth conditions.
The study was published in Science Advances and has now been downloaded over half a million times.
In addition, Katherine Richardson is acknowledged for her continued engagement in science-policy and science-society interfaces.
This includes her leading role in the Commission that produced a plan for Denmark’s future independence of fossil fuels, her membership of the Independent Group of Scientists that prepared the 2019 UN Global Sustainable Development Report, and her current position as Chair of the EU Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR).
-I was, of course, enormously flattered and proud to have received the award with other scientists for whom I have the greatest respect. To have my own contributions profiled as being at the level of the other awardees is a very great honour, says Katherine Richardson following the announcement.
Rethinking our relationship with the global environment
When asked what fuels her continued work in addressing global environmental challenges it all comes down to a belief in changes for the betterment of our relationship with planet Earth:
-Just as our ancestors realised that they had to manage their relationship with the local environment to continue to thrive, I believe humanity at present is realising that we must also manage our relationship with the global environment for societies to continue to thrive, says Richardson and continues:
-My inspiration comes from the belief that I am contributing by, for example, helping develop the planetary boundaries framework, to making it possible for future generations, i.e. my grandchildren, to thrive.
Katherine Richardson receives the AWS Planet Earth Award along with Dr. Mike Berners-Lee (United Kingdom), Dr. Michael E. Mann (United States), Dr. Walfrido Moraes Tomas (Brazil), and Dr. Flora Vincent (Germany).
Read more about AWS and the 2025 laureates
- Professor in Biological Oceanography at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen
- Professor and CO-PI at Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (CMEC)
- Leader of Research Centre on Ocean, Climate and Society (ROCS)
- Former leader of University of Copenhagen’s Sustainability Science Centre
- Chairperson of the European Commission Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR)
- Core developer of the planetary boundaries framework
- Visit Katherine Richardson's research profile
Contact
Katherine Richardson
Professor and Centre Leader
Email: kari@sund.ku.dk
William J. Ripple
Director, Alliance of World Scientists (AWS)
Email: bill.ripple@oregonstate.edu
Tim Ammitzbøll Gudkov
Communications Adviser
Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen
Email: tim.gudkov@sund.ku.dk