PLANETARY BOUNDARIES: Understanding the Limits of Our Earth System
- The League of Intrapreneurs
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
The planetary boundaries framework highlights the risks of human pressure on nine critical Earth system processes that maintain the planet’s stability and resilience. Crossing these boundaries increases the chance of abrupt or irreversible environmental changes that affect both societies and the biosphere.
First proposed in 2009 by Johan Rockström and colleagues, the framework draws on decades of global environmental research. In 2023, all nine boundaries were quantified for the first time—and six are now transgressed, signaling urgent action is needed to stay within a safe operating space for humanity. These boundaries are interconnected: no process exists in isolation, and actions that affect one can influence the others. Maintaining all nine is essential for the stability that has allowed human societies to thrive.
⚠️ CLIMATE CHANGE
Rising greenhouse gases trap heat, altering climate patterns. This boundary is transgressed.
⚠️ NOVEL ENTITIES
Technological developments release synthetic chemicals, mobilize materials in new ways, and alter genetics, affecting Earth system functioning. Many of these untested substances pose a high risk to the planet.
STRATOSPHERIC OZONE DEPLETION
The ozone layer shields life from harmful UV radiation. Human-made chemicals caused thinning, but international efforts since the 1980s are slowly helping it recover, keeping it within a safe range.
ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOL LOADING
Airborne particles from human activity and natural sources affect climate, altering temperature and rainfall. While pollution impacts monsoons, forests, and oceans, current global levels remain just within a safe range.
⚠️ MODIFICATION OF BIOGEOCHEMICAL FLOWS
Human activities like farming and industry disrupt natural nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, altering nutrient balances essential for life. This boundary has been crossed, impacting global ecosystem health.
⚠️ FRESHWATER CHANGE
Human activities are disrupting freshwater systems—rivers, lakes, and soil moisture—affecting biodiversity, carbon storage, and rainfall patterns. This boundary has now been crossed.
⚠️ LAND SYSTEM CHANGE
Deforestation and urbanization are transforming natural landscapes, harming habitats and biodiversity, and reducing key ecosystem functions. Global forest areas are now below safe levels.
⚠️ BIOSPHERE INTEGRITY
Has been crossed: the loss of genetic diversity and decline in ecosystem health threaten the Earth’s stability and its ability to maintain critical life-supporting processes.
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
As oceans absorb CO2, their acidity rises, harming shell- and skeleton-building organisms and weakening marine ecosystems. Ocean acidification is still within a safe range, but rising CO2 levels put it close to the limit.
Comments