Synthesis and Progress on Planetary Boundaries

The planetary boundaries framework is built on our understanding of the pressures of the Earth system, along with the recognition that if we push them too far, we risk crossing tipping points. Using graphs and diagrams, Professor Rockström explains the changes that have been seen in the Earth systems in the Holocene to the Anthropocene. We have defined the nine Earth system processes using the best science to make quantitative boundaries that give us a safe operating space. Three boundaries are considered core boundaries: climate change is one of these, and is the end result of how we manage fresh water, nitrogen, phosphorus, land, biodiversity, and oceans. The other two core boundaries are biodiversity and novel entities. The biodiversity boundary has been redefined, and is now called biosphere integrity. In the ongoing work on the planetary boundary framework, quantifications have been refined, such as those of phosphorus and nitrogen. Rockström closes with a reminder that there is a large uncertainty range for every boundary, and that some boundaries can be coupled for greater application at more levels.

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