In 2009, a group of scientists at the Stockholm Resilience Center published the Planetary Boundaries Framework, nine processes that regulate the stability and resilience of our planet. These boundaries are:
- Climate change
- Biodiversity integrity
- Ocean acidification
- Depletion of the ozone layer
- Atmospheric aerosol pollution
- Biogeochemical flows of nitrogen and phosphorus
- Freshwater use
- Land system change
- Release of novel chemicals
Scientists believe that four of these boundaries have been exceeded: biodiversity integrity and biogeochemical flows are in the orange zone (high risk) of the planetary boundaries chart; climate change and land system change are in the yellow zone (increasing risk). The biodiversity boundary is at risk because of rapid extinction of species. Biogeochemical flows are at risk because of agribusiness and industry.
One of the boundaries, depletion of the ozone layer, was a problem in the 1980s, but was reduced because world leaders and scientists got together and established the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which limited chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). By limiting CFCs, the size of the ozone hole over Antarctica was reduced. So with international cooperation, there is hope that planetary boundaries can be maintained.
Our planet has entered the Anthropocene era, in which humans have influenced the environment. Humanity must respect the nine planetary boundaries to keep the planet habitable.
The planetary boundaries are interconnected. For example, land use affects biodiversity and greenhouse gases affect ocean acidification. So ecological awareness should be everyone’s concern.
Equity - Environment - Economic Justice 