We must become responsible stewards of nine planetary boundaries: The three »big« boundaries of 1) climate change; 2) stratospheric ozone depletion; and 3) ocean acidification. The four »slow variables,« operating under the »hood« of the planetary machinery to make Earth resilient: 4) the rate of biodiversity loss; 5) land use change; 6) global freshwater use; and 7) interference with the global nutrient cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus. Finally, we have the two »man-made« boundaries of 8) chemical pollution and 9) aerosol loading. These nine boundaries interact with one another, making it pivotal that we stay within safe boundaries for all nine. One for all, and all for one. (Chapters 5, 6 and 7)
If we keep Earth within the safe operating space of planetary boundaries, humanity and the world can thrive. But if we transgress these scientifically drawn boundaries, we will put ourselves in a danger zone, where even minor actions can trigger catastrophic outcomes. (Chapter 4)
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We live in an inter-connected world. The stability of the Earth system and its long-term capacity to support our well-being has become every nation’s concern—indeed, every citizen’s concern. We must all manage the biosphere as a world community.
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A deep mind-shift is required to reconnect our societies and our development with the biosphere. As soon as we agree, as a world community, to respect Earth’s planetary boundaries, we can focus on maintaining prosperity within a safe operating space.
A world transformation to global sustainability is not only necessary, but also possible, because in the Anthropocene we are in the driver’s seat. We have the intelligence, the creativity, the techno- logical know-how, and the power to steer clear of a disastrous future. Our Human Quest is no utopia; it is an achievable dream.