In 2009, Earth science scientists compiled a comprehensive list that became known as “planetary limits“.
At that time, such a relationship was designed to identify and delineate events and phenomena that, if they occurred, could potentially make the Earth an uninhabitable place.
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Recently, the University of Copenhagen joined forces with other scientific institutions in different parts of the world to carry out a more in-depth analysis of the planetary limits established previously.
As a result of this collaborative effort, the 29 scientists were able to notice that six of the nine critical points originally mentioned in 2009 are now in the so-called “red zone”.
This means that these six limits, which represent moments of inflection in Earth systems, are currently in a worrying state or close to being exceeded.
Which vital borders are in danger?
The following constraints are in a state of deep compromise:
Climate changes;
Deforestation;
Loss of biodiversity;
Presence of synthetic chemicals, including plastics;
Depletion of fresh water sources;
Use of nitrogen.
As for the remaining three, two of them are on the verge of the critical limit:
Ocean acidification;
Concentration of polluting particles in the atmosphere.
Among the established planetary limits, only the issue of ozone layer depletion remains within safe limits.
(Image: disclosure)
Would there be a solution?
Faced with this worrying scenario, there is a proposal for an ecological concept called “Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production” (HANPP).
The study emphasizes the importance of establishing planetary limits, similar to those defined in the Paris Climate Agreement, as crucial guides to safely navigate an increasingly risky global landscape with potential consequences catastrophic.
Johan Rockström, one of the creators of the concept of “planetary boundaries” and co-author of the study, highlights that it is essential to transform the science of planetary boundaries into a practical roadmap for action.
This entails not only addressing climate issues, but also making systematic efforts to protect, restore and strengthen the planet's resilience.
The study also offers an optimistic outlook, stating that all critical limits can be restored to safe levels.
Katherine Richardson, the paper's first author, emphasizes that this can be achieved by restricting quantity of waste released into the environment and the responsible management of raw materials, both living and non- alive.
Ultimately, the research highlights the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to ensuring prosperity and equity for all inhabitants of the Earth, while alerting us to the impacts of excessive consumption on civilization.
Therefore, it is crucial to keep up with advances in environmental research and climate change to address such global challenges.
In this sense, adopting HANPP, a quantitative measure on the share of biomass vegetable produced through photosynthesis, would be fundamental to assess the impacts of human activities on biodiversity.
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