Crossing planetary boundaries is like building a tower of bricks, if you remove one too many pieces the whole thing collapses! Planetary boundaries are like the speed limit of the universe: respect them, or risk getting a cosmic fine, COP29’s word!
Planetary boundaries and COP
At the recent COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, planetary boundaries featured prominently in the discussions. Indeed, during the Conferences of the Parties, these boundaries are used to emphasise the urgency of ambitious and immediate action.
The concept identifies the key processes that govern the stability and resilience of the Earth system. The idea was born in 2009 by a group of scientists led by Johan Rockström of the Stockholm Resilience Centre, and is summarised in the following points:
- Chemical pollution: the spread of toxic chemicals in the environment.
2. Climate change: concerns the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and global warming.
3. Loss of Biodiversity: the reduction of genetic and species diversity.
4. Nitrogen and phosphorous cycle: excessive use of fertilisers alters biogeochemical cycles.
5. Ocean acidification: increased CO2 leads to more acidity in the oceans.
6. Land consumption: the conversion of natural ecosystems into agricultural or urban land.
7. Freshwater use: the unsustainable use of water resources.
8. Ozone depletion: the depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
9. Aerosol diffusion in the atmosphere: aerosols affect climate and human health.
Planetary boundaries, current status
Currently, six of the nine planetary boundaries have been crossed.
The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has exceeded safe levels, contributing to global warming, leading to extreme weather events, melting glaciers and rising sea levels, resulting in natural disasters and habitat loss.
In parallel, the reduction in genetic and species diversity has reached critical levels, destabilising ecosystems; the loss of biodiversity undermines the resilience of ecosystems, reducing their ability to provide essential services such as water purification and climate regulation.
The excessive use of fertilisers has altered the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus, causing eutrophication and other environmental problems. This leads to the proliferation of harmful algae in water bodies, reducing water quality and harming aquatic life.
The unsustainable use of water resources has led to water scarcity in many regions of the world. This situation negatively affects agriculture, energy production and drinking water availability, putting food security and human health at risk.
The spread of toxic chemicals, such as plastics and GMOs, has exceeded safe limits. Chemical pollution has harmful effects on human health and ecosystems, contributing to soil and water contamination.
Finally, the conversion of forests and other natural ecosystems to agricultural or urban land has drastically reduced the planet’s capacity to sustain life. This process leads to the loss of habitats, a decrease in biodiversity and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.
Monitoring tools and techniques
Science and technology are key to understanding and monitoring the current state of the planet. Research provides the basis for identifying safety limits, while technological innovations enable the development of solutions to keep the planet within these boundaries.
The assessment of planetary boundaries requires the use of advanced tools and monitoring techniques, such as Earth observation satellites, climate models and environmental sensors, which help to collect accurate and up-to-date data.
In addition, artificial intelligence and big data analysis are key to predicting changes and making informed resource management decisions.
The main challenges include the need to fundamentally transform economic and social systems to reduce environmental impact.
However, there are also significant opportunities , such as technological innovation and growing public awareness, that can facilitate the achievement of sustainability goals.
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