Planetary Boundaries: A Safe Operating Space for Humanity

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Press release by the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, The Australian National University, University of Copenhagen and University of Minnesota

Planetary Boundaries: A Safe Operating Space for Humanity

Stockholm, September 23, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — New approaches are needed to help humanity deal with climate change and other global environmental threats that lie ahead in the 21st century. A group of 28 internationally renowned scientists propose that global biophysical boundaries, identified on the basis of the scientific understanding of the Earth System, can define a 'safe planetary operating space' that will allow humanity to continue to develop and thrive for generations to come. This new approach to sustainable development is conveyed in the coming issue of the scientific journal Nature where the scientists have made a first attempt to identify and quantify a set of nine planetary boundaries.

This assessment of the planet's important environmental systems points to breaches in a couple major ones via human actions.

This is where the real revolution needs to occur. As much as we (collectively) view ourselves as above, beyond, and in charge of it, the global environment/community of life is the only thing that truly sustains us and allows us to live on as a species and a society. If the environment goes, then we can seriously kiss our butts goodbye.

We can still do something about our unsustainable habits while there's still time, but tipping points are coming fast and stealthy, inaction is not an option.

The environment is not a partisan issue, it doesn't recognize our petty little squabbles, our politics, nor our belief systems. It is a system that is fragile in the face of our own systems, and we've abused both greatly.

If we consider ourselves mature and truly/soberly want to retain what we value, then we must unite, regardless of political leaning, against elite people/organizations/systems which continually destroy our freedoms, ecosystems, peace of mind, and advancement towards a sustainable future.





Professor Johan Rockström on planetary boundaries:




[edit on 14-4-2010 by NoHierarchy]

This could be a step in the right direction to save and preserve our planet for generations to come. Al last some sense.

Carbon trading, tree hugging and all that jazz is BS through and through. Monetary compensation or Monetary punitive measures WILL NOT SAVE our planet, for the rich has more money to buy or pay, money which is ripped off the common people's back.

As much as I, only a mere nobody, applaud the scientists direction, I must add that there is still very much, and too much of planetary sciences that mankind has yet to comprehend, and more research and development would be spent in such areas, without fear or favour. Sustainability without impeding the pursuit of happiness and liberty of precious lives.

Only then can we truly protect and shield our planet for generations.

Edit: We have thousands of bright young noble and idealistic college kids currently awaiting employment. If some funds can be diverted to motivate them further, progress would be hastened, rather than they be wasted in some 9 to 5 wall street casino job or flipping burgers.

I would probably be long dead when solutions are found and implemented, but these kids and their children will inherit a better world than the one I live today. A better world must begin with us now.

[edit on 14-4-2010 by SeekerofTruth101]

Originally posted by SeekerofTruth101
This could be a step in the right direction to save and preserve our planet for generations to come. Al last some sense.

Carbon trading, tree hugging and all that jazz is BS through and through. Monetary compensation or Monetary punitive measures WILL NOT SAVE our planet, for the rich has more money to buy or pay, money which is ripped off the common people's back.

As much as I, only a mere nobody, applaud the scientists direction, I must add that there is still very much, and too much of planetary sciences that mankind has yet to comprehend, and more research and development would be spent in such areas, without fear or favour. Sustainability without impeding the pursuit of happiness and liberty of precious lives.

Only then can we truly protect and shield our planet for generations.

The hardest questions though, come with figuring out just HOW screwed we are and what sacrifices we'll need to make. Big changes are coming within this century and/or the next, and many of them won't be pretty or easy to swallow, but it's the price we have to pay for generations of biting off the hand that feeds us.

I consider myself a radical environmentalist, I think serious measures need to be taken, whether legally or not, in order to stop the machine. But even saying that much, I am not 100% sure whether or not we're too far gone with too few people who actually give enough of a crap to ignite a REAL green revolution (not some phony corporate green-washed one).