Planetry Boundaries
As of August 2025, the latest comprehensive assessment of the planetary boundaries was released in October 2024 by the Stockholm Resilience Centre and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. This “Planetary Health Check” indicates that Earth is operating outside the safe operating space in six of the nine critical planetary boundaries. These boundaries delineate the thresholds beyond which human activities risk destabilizing Earth’s life-support systems.
The 9 boundaries explained
Climate Change: The increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities is leading to a rise in global temperatures, resulting in adverse effects such as extreme weather events and sea level rise.
Biosphere Integrity: The loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems are threatening the ability of the planet to support life and sustain critical ecological functions.
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: The release of substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere has led to the depletion of the ozone layer, allowing harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth’s surface.
Ocean Acidification: The uptake of excess carbon dioxide by the oceans is causing a decrease in pH levels, leading to detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems.
Biogeochemical Flows: Human activities, such as the excessive use of fertilisers and the release of pollutants, are disrupting essential nutrient cycles, affecting the health of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Land-System Change: The conversion of natural habitats for agriculture, urbanisation, and resource extraction is leading to the loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
Freshwater Use: The unsustainable extraction and management of freshwater resources are leading to water scarcity, pollution, and ecosystem degradation.
Atmospheric Aerosol Loading: The release of particulate matter and pollutants into the atmosphere is influencing climate patterns, air quality, and human health.
Novel Entities: The introduction of new chemicals and substances into the environment, such as synthetic compounds and genetically modified organisms, can have unknown or harmful effects on ecosystems and human health.
The degree to which these boundaries are transgressed and pressured by human activities is continuously increasing. Målbar will ensure to follow the developments and update this post with the most recent calculations on an ongoing basis.
