The current institutional framework for sustainable development is, according to this article, not strong enough to bring about the swift transformative progress that is needed. The article argues that incrementalism (the main approach since the 1972 Stockholm Conference) will not suffice to bring about societal change at the level and speed needed to mitigate and adapt to earth system transformation. Instead, the article emphasises the need for transformative structural change in global governance and details core areas where urgent action is required. It highlights the importance of stronger reliance on qualified majority-voting in international decision-making and argues that consultative role of civil society representatives in global governance should be enhanced. The article is based on an extensive social science assessment conducted by 32 members of the lead faculty, scientific steering committee and other affiliates of the Earth System Governance Project.