‘Pressure is rising’: 7 of 9 Planetary Boundaries are already breached. Here’s how we change course
The latest Planetary Health Check warns that seven of Earth’s critical life support systems are experiencing record transgression.
Scientists reveal that seven out of nine critical Planetary Boundaries have already been crossed, raising concerns about the planet's ability to sustain life. The latest Planetary Health Check, conducted by over 60 experts, reveals that these boundaries are now at their highest levels of transgression. Boris Sakschewski, a PIK scientist and report author, emphasizes that the risk of irreversible change is increasing, and the window for action is narrowing.
The nine Planetary Boundaries include climate change, biosphere integrity, land system change, freshwater change, biogeochemical flows, novel entities, and ocean acidification. The only boundaries not yet breached are stratospheric ozone depletion and atmospheric aerosol loading, though progress in these areas may be threatened in some regions.
The report highlights natural carbon sinks, such as forests and peatlands, as crucial in achieving net zero emissions. However, extreme weather events linked to climate change are degrading these systems, making them more likely to become carbon sources. The report urges urgent action to return to the safe operating space across all Planetary Boundaries to protect lives and livelihoods and ensure a prosperous future for all.
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