Planetary Boundaries: Assessing Environmental Limits

This lecture discusses the concept of planetary boundaries, which are critical thresholds for maintaining the stability of the Earth system. The instructor explains that these boundaries were first proposed in 2009 and have been updated to quantify the processes regulating Earth's stability. The latest findings indicate that six out of nine boundaries have been transgressed, increasing the risk of abrupt environmental changes. The lecture emphasizes the interrelated nature of these boundaries, highlighting that a singular focus on climate change is insufficient for sustainability. The importance of understanding the interplay between climate change and biodiversity loss is underscored. The instructor also references key publications and illustrations that support the planetary boundaries framework, which has garnered significant interest in scientific and policy-making circles. The lecture concludes with a call for a comprehensive approach to sustainability that considers all planetary boundaries, rather than addressing them in isolation.