Planetary Boundaries
9 boundaries assessed, six crossed
Earth beyond 6 planetary boundaries
Earth beyond 6 planetary boundaries
This article is from the Stockholm University Resilience Centre, stockholmresilience.org. These charts illustrate how various environmental factors, such as climate change and ocean acidification, have been assessed over time. The green areas represent safe limits, while the orange areas indicate where boundaries have been exceeded.
- 2009: 7 boundaries assessed, 3 crossed.
- 2015: 7 boundaries assessed, 4 crossed.
- 2023: 9 boundaries assessed, 6 crossed.
This trend shows an increasing number of environmental boundaries being surpassed, highlighting growing ecological concerns. " All boundaries are finally assessed in the third major update to the framework which is published in Science Advances. Six boundaries are now transgressed, and pressure is increasing on all boundary processes except ozone depletion."
A potential 10 planetary boundary has been identified as aquatic deoxygenation, a critical planetary boundary. It highlights how the decline in oxygen levels in Earth’s freshwater and marine ecosystems is a significant process that affects the stability of the Earth’s ecological and social systems. The authors argue that deoxygenation should be considered an additional planetary boundary due to its global ecological importance and its interactions with other planetary boundary processes. They emphasize the need for global monitoring, research, and policy efforts to address the challenges posed by rapid deoxygenation
A tenth potential boundary has been idenifed
The hottest Day on record in 100,000 years was recorded on July 21, 2024.
Earth beyond 6 planetary boundaries
Earth beyond 6 planetary boundaries
Earth beyond 6 planetary boundaries
,” published in Science Advances,
article titled “Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries” published in Science Advances discusses the latest update to the planetary boundaries framework. Here are the key points:
- Planetary Boundaries Framework: This framework identifies nine critical processes that maintain the stability and resilience of the Earth system. These include climate change, biosphere integrity, land-system change, freshwater use, biogeochemical flows, ocean acidification, atmospheric aerosol loading, stratospheric ozone depletion, and novel entities (e.g., chemical pollution).
- Current Status: The study finds that six of these nine boundaries have been transgressed due to human activities. This indicates that Earth is now well outside the safe operating space for humanity. The boundaries that have been crossed include climate change, biosphere integrity, land-system change, biogeochemical flows, novel entities, and freshwater use.
- Implications: The transgression of these boundaries suggests that human activities are increasingly impacting the planet, raising the risk of triggering dramatic changes in Earth’s overall conditions. This could potentially lead to irreversible changes that would decrease the Earth’s ability to support modern civilizations.
- Ocean Acidification and Aerosol Loading: Ocean acidification is close to being breached, while aerosol loading regionally exceeds the boundary. However, stratospheric ozone levels have slightly recovered.
- Human Impact: The study emphasizes the need to consider human impacts on Earth systems in a systemic context, highlighting the interconnectedness of these boundaries and the importance of maintaining a balance to ensure a stable and resilient Earth system.
This article underscores the urgent need for global efforts to mitigate human impacts on the environment to ensure a sustainable future12.
population
Population and Natural balance
Greed: Almost all of our issues stem from greed, which frequently breeds violence, injustice, corruption, and environmental degradation.
- more children than needed
- more money than needed
- more land than needed
- more food and water than needed
- more power than needed
- more materials than needed
- The desire for more luxury items
- The desire to possess beautiful land, alter or degrade it, and not share with the world.
Ecology studies relationships among living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment.
Most of our human problems involve our difficulties with relationships with other people, wildlife, and the earth.
species-to-species
While ecology is maintaining the balance of nature, humans are in the process of destroying the balance of nature. What is important for us to understand about that?
- Numerous individuals prioritize their personal concerns, often neglecting the curiosity to learn, grow, and appreciate the significance of relationships. Consequently, we sometimes unintentionally harm both others and the environment due to our lack of awareness.
- Scientific value: Ecology helps us understand how life works, how it evolved, and how it interacts with the environment. Ecology also provides insights into the patterns and processes of biodiversity, ecosystems, and biogeochemical cycles.
- Practical value: Ecology helps us solve environmental problems such as pollution, climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, and resource depletion. Ecology also helps us manage natural resources, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife.
- Ethical value: Ecology helps us appreciate the intrinsic worth of all living beings, regardless of their usefulness to humans. Ecology also helps us develop a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the Earth and its inhabitants.
- Conclusion: We can't learn what is in our best interest unless we become aware of relationships and intend to act mindfully..
Human population growth has many negative consequences for the environment, society, and morality. These consequences can be classified into ecological, socio-economic, and ethical.
- · Ecological consequences include the loss of species and biodiversity, the destabilization of natural systems, the spread of diseases, the scarcity of water and food, and the increase of pollution in air, water, sound, and light. For instance, according to the World Wildlife Fund, more than 10,000 species go extinct every year due to human activities.
- · Socio-economic consequences include the impact of population growth on development issues, such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, and employment. For example, the United Nations estimates that more than 800 million people suffer from chronic undernourishment due to population pressure on land and resources.
- · Ethical consequences include the moral dilemmas and conflicts that arise from population growth, such as human rights, reproductive rights, intergenerational justice, and animal welfare. For example, some critics argue that population control policies violate the right to self-determination and bodily autonomy of women and minorities.
Human population growth poses a serious challenge to the sustainability and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
The World Resources Institute’s Global Forest Watch analysis revealed that tree losses in primary forests (native, old-growth tree cover) reached 3.5 million hectares (9.3 million acres) in 2021 due to rising populations and demand for food and energy.
Speculative Attachment model: Environment
Model
It is clear that if people don't recognize the vanishing beauty, wilderness, the replacement of the environment with increased housing, the loss of animal habitat, wildlife, biodiversity, freedom to explore wild places, and the loss of wonderful places to explore, then the attachment value we have assigned to the preservation or conservation of the environment is low enough to obscure our awareness.
- According to this model, people assign a relative attachment value to others, groups, or the environment, ranging from +10 (a strong positive bond) to -10 (a strong negative bond).
- This attachment value influences how people support or oppose those categories. For example:
- When an individual's attachment value for the environment is low, they are less likely to be concerned about environmental issues or take necessary actions. This lack of interest in environmental improvement or maintenance can lead to a disregard for the environment's well-being, potentially contributing to its degradation.
In the above model, the child's dreams show potential fears in a child's mind that might be connected to the environment. Those fears in this example may keep a child from exploring and enjoying all that there is to appreciate about the wild. Ultimately, the lack of interest in environmental exploration leaves the child with a low attachment value to the environment, resulting in a low, faded positive attachment rating value of 4. In another example, a child might place a much higher attachment rating value of 8-9 to other people, groups, sports, school, activities, etc., and subsequently place a lower rating value of 4 on spending time in the environment. Still, another example is the desire for a positive comfort rating value of 9 while placing a lower rating value of 3 on the discomfort of exposure to elements like rain, snow, temperature, etc., dismissing the value of spending time outdoors. The child has less of an appreciation for the environment and doesn't notice or even care about the destruction of the environment.
The model suggests that attachment theory can help us understand the causes and consequences of human conflicts, cooperation, and loss of habitat.
NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENts
Deforestation
Garbage pollution
Garbage pollution
Transpiration (flow of water from trees to the air) from 9 cottonwoods 5’ to 2’ in diameter will put out 50 to 200 gallons of water a day while lowering the temperature as much as 15 degrees. 15 Billion trees are lost annually. Over 25% of global forest loss is due to deforestation. The remaining 73% came from forest degradation due to logging from plantations (26%); shifting, local agriculture (24%), and wildfires (23%). The cooling effect of trees is noticeable, especially when seeking shade on a sunny, hot summer's day, so it would seem that one would recognize that removing the shade of a tree through deforestation would create a hotter environment. One study estimates nearly 1/2 or 46% of trees have been cleared over the past 12,000 yrs. In a study conducted by Michael Wolosin of the U.S. think tank Forest Climate Analytics and Nancy Harris of the World Resources Institute, it was found that tropical forest loss has a more significant impact on the climate than previously understood. Deforestation in major tropical forest zones, such as Africa’s Congo basin, southeast Asia, and especially the Amazon, can disrupt the water cycle. This disruption poses a substantial risk to agriculture in distant regions like parts of the U.S., India, and China.
Garbage pollution
Garbage pollution
Garbage pollution
Garbage pollution is the accumulation of solid waste in the environment that has lost its usefulness or value. It affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and produces air, soil and water pollution. It also causes health problems for humans and wildlife by spreading bacterial and infectious diseases . Garbage often contains dangerous pollutants such as oils, chemicals, and ink. These pollutants can leech into the soil and harm plants, animals, and people. Inefficient garbage collection systems contribute to land pollution. Often, the garbage is picked up and brought to a dump, or landfill. Garbage is buried in landfills . The methane that is released due to the decomposing waste is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. The air pollutants escaping from the landfill can also cause respiratory problems in people who live close to the landfill . Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes. Plastic pollution is a global problem. Every year 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas .
It’s important to note that we can all take steps to reduce our contribution to garbage pollution. For example, we can reduce our use of single-use plastics such as straws, bags, and bottles; recycle whenever possible; compost food waste; and properly dispose of hazardous materials such as batteries and electronics .
Air pollution
Garbage pollution
Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole 1. The sources of air pollution are diverse, but most air pollution comes from energy use and production, such as burning fossil fuels . Air pollution can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and stroke . It can also harm the environment by causing acid rain, reducing crop yields, and contributing to climate change, According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019 approximately 6.7 million, deaths were attributed to ambient and household air pollution, 2.1 billion people relied on polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, 99% of the global population lived in areas where air pollution levels exceeded WHO guidelines. COP28 nine out of ten people worldwide breathe air that contains levels of pollutants that exceed WHO guidelines.
To reduce air pollution, it is important to take steps such as using public transportation or carpooling, reducing energy consumption at home, and supporting clean energy policies . By taking these steps, we can help protect our health and the environment.
Water pollution
Water pollution
Water pollution is a global issue with significant environmental, economic, and health consequences.
Sources of water pollution include industrial discharges, agricultural runoffs, improper waste disposal, and oil spills resulting in threatening the health of ecosystems, disrupts habitats, decreases biodiversity, and poses risks to human health while 2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water.
Noise pollution
Water pollution
Noise pollution
Health Effects of noise pollution can lead to chronic annoyance, sleep disturbance, and stress. Long-term exposure is associated with severe health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. In cities, an estimated 90% of New York City mass transit users are exposed to noise levels exceeding recommended limits1.
In the EU, noise pollution affects one in five citizens and leads to 12,000 premature deaths annually. 2011-2012 CDC study (11-12), at least 10 million adults (approximately 6%) in the U.S. under age 70—and perhaps as many as 40 million adults (around 24%)—have features of their hearing test that suggest hearing loss in one or both ears from exposure to loud noise
Environmental Impact: Noise pollution disrupts ecosystems and affects biodiversity. Animals, including birds, insects, and frogs, experience altered behavior due to noise. Natural sounds from green urban spaces offer health benefits, emphasizing the importance of preserving green areas.
Solutions: Planting trees behind highways can reduce noise levels by up to 12dB in certain locations. City planners should consider both health and environmental risks when addressing noise pollution. Ear protection with loud noise exposure
Zoonosis
Water pollution
Noise pollution
Zoonosis refers to any disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. Various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi1 can cause these diseases. Some well-known zoonotic diseases include rabies, salmonellosis, and Ebola.
Zoonotic diseases can spread through direct contact with animals, their bodily fluids, or through vectors like ticks and mosquitoes1. They can also be transmitted via food, water, or the environment. For example, avian and swine influenza viruses have high zoonotic potential and can occasionally recombine with human strains, leading to pandemics.
The term “zoonosis” comes from the Greek words “zoon” (animal) and “nosos” (sickness)1. Understanding and controlling zoonotic diseases is crucial for public health, as they represent a significant portion of new and existing infectious diseases in humans.
Heating and Cooling of the earth
Holocene
The Holocene is the geological epoch that began approximately 11,700 years ago. It follows the Last Glacial Period and is part of the Quaternary period. During this time, the Earth experienced warming, human species increased, and civilizations developed. The Holocene is significant for understanding our planet’s history and its ecosystem impact.
Factors cooling the earth during Holocene:
- Volcanic Activity: As mentioned earlier, volcanic eruptions released aerosols into the stratosphere, reflecting sunlight and causing cooling.
- Orbital Cycles: Earth’s orbit around the Sun undergoes variations known as Milankovitch cycles. These include eccentricity (changes in orbit shape), axial tilt (obliquity), and precession (wobbling of Earth’s axis). These cycles affect the distribution of solar energy received by different latitudes, impacting climate over long periods.
- Vegetation Changes: Vegetation plays a role in climate regulation. During the Holocene, shifts in vegetation cover (such as forests expanding or contracting) influenced local and global temperatures. Forests absorb more sunlight and release moisture, affecting climate patterns.
- Ocean Circulation: Changes in ocean currents, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), can redistribute heat globally. Slowing or altering these currents can impact climate.
- Solar Variability: Although not a dominant factor during the Holocene, variations in solar output (solar cycles) can influence climate over millennia.
Most Important Factor: Among these, volcanic activity stands out as the primary driver of cooling during the Holocene. The massive volcanic eruptions injected substantial aerosols into the atmosphere, leading to prolonged cooling periods.
Forest role in cooling the planet
Vegetation changes significantly influenced the Holocene climate. Here’s how:
- Albedo Effect: Different types of vegetation have varying albedo (reflectivity) properties. Forests, for instance, absorb more sunlight and have a lower albedo than open grasslands. As forests expanded or contracted during the Holocene, they affected the overall albedo of Earth’s surface. More forests meant less sunlight reflected, leading to local warming, while deforestation had the opposite effect.
- Carbon Sequestration: Vegetation plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis, storing it as organic matter. When forests expanded, they sequestered more carbon, reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels and mitigating greenhouse warming. Conversely, deforestation released stored carbon, contributing to warming.
- Local Climate Regulation: Vegetation influences local climate by providing shade, releasing moisture through transpiration, and affecting wind patterns. Forests create a cooler, moister microclimate compared to open grasslands. Changes in vegetation cover altered local temperature and humidity.
- Feedback Loops: Vegetation changes can trigger feedback loops. For example:
- Positive Feedback: Warming leads to forest dieback (e.g., due to droughts), reducing forest cover. Less forest means less carbon sequestration, exacerbating warming.
- Negative Feedback: Forest expansion cools the local climate, promoting more favorable conditions for forest growth.
In summary, vegetation changes impacted the Holocene climate through albedo effects, carbon sequestration, local climate regulation, and feedback loops. The balance between forested and non-forested areas played a crucial role in shaping the climate during this period.
Wildfires
I used to get wonderful pictures of the mountains in Montana when I arrived in 1980, even from a distance. It’s disheartening to witness the changes in Montana’s landscape due to wildfires and smoke. It's more challenging to get a clear picture of the mountains in the summer. Let’s delve into this issue:
- Smoke and Climate Change:
- Wildfires are both influenced by and contribute to climate change. As global temperatures rise, longer droughts occur, affecting forests and wildfire behavior.
- Increasing temperatures and droughts dry out fuels (such as dead trees and branches), making them more susceptible to burning.
- Wildfires release substantial greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change1.
- Interestingly, dense wildfire smoke can temporarily cool the planet by blocking sunlight near the ground or making lower-atmosphere clouds more reflective2.
- Smoke Duration and Severity:
- Smoke is no longer a seasonal issue; it now persists for up to 8 months due to global warming.
- Younger forests face greater burn severity, impacting their resilience.
- The frequency and density of wildfires have increased significantly.
- Last year witnessed an unprecedented intensity, resulting in approximately 16,000 deaths annually from smoke exposure.
- Human Impact:
- European colonizers in North America have contributed to conditions that elevate wildfire risk.
- We must recognize our role and work toward solutions.
- Cutting short-lived climate pollutants could reduce projected global warming by 0.5 degrees Celsius by 2050.
In summary, addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of wildfires and smoke. Let’s continue advocating for positive change and mindfulness to protect our environment.
HFCs and CFCs Cooling systems
- CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons): These were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. However, due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol (1987) led to their phase-out. The primary replacements for CFCs are HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons), which have lower ozone-depleting potential but still contribute to global warming.
- HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons): These replaced CFCs but have a strong greenhouse effect. Now, HFCs are also being phased out under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The main alternatives include:
- HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins): These have low global warming potential (GWP) and are used as refrigerants.
- Natural Refrigerants: These include ammonia (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrocarbons (such as propane and isobutane). They have minimal environmental impact but require proper handling due to flammability or toxicity.
Nuclear Technology and Pollution
Old and new technology
One study calculated that a kilowatt hour of nuclear-generated electricity has a carbon footprint of 4 grams of CO2 equivalent, compared to 4 grams for wind and 6 grams for solar energy — versus 109 grams for coal, even with carbon capture and storage.
According to a Greenpeace report, there are approximately 250,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste in temporary storage across 14 countries. The US alone has almost 90,000 tons of high-level waste awaiting permanent disposal 1. While governments and industry agree that deep burial is the best solution for nuclear waste, no country currently has a site for deep burial in operation 1. One nuclear expert has stated that “there is no scientifically proven way” of disposing of high- and intermediate-level waste 1.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for the disposal of radioactive waste from the nation’s nuclear weapons program and for siting, building, and operating a geologic repository to dispose of nuclear waste 2. The DOE has yet to build such a facility because policymakers have been at an impasse over what to do with spent fuel since 2010 2. As a result, the amount of spent nuclear fuel stored at nuclear power plants across the country continues to grow by about 2,000 metric tons a year 2. Meanwhile, the federal government has paid billions of dollars in damages to utilities for failing to dispose of this waste and may potentially have to pay tens of billions of dollars more in coming decades 2.
It is important that we continue to explore safe and effective ways to dispose of nuclear waste. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees the treatment and disposal of radioactive waste from commercial nuclear power plants. There are three main types of nuclear waste: high-level, transuranic, and low-level waste. Each type must be disposed of according to its risk to human health and the environment 3.
- US tech company Westinghouse has announced the launch of the AP300, a smaller version of its flagship AP1000 nuclear reactor, which is expected to be operational in 2027 and will provide roughly one-third of the power of the flagship AP1000 reactor 1. The AP300 is expected to cost around $1 billion per unit, compared to the AP1000’s anticipated cost of $6.8 billion 1.
- The US Department of Defense is building a 1-5 MW nuclear microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory for a three-year test operational period. It will be “the first electricity-generating Generation IV nuclear reactor built in the United States” 2.
- NuScale’s tiny modular reactor design has received a final safety evaluation report on its way to certification. The reactor isn’t technologically new, but has a much smaller form factor and new safety system 3.
- Rolls-Royce has announced plans to build up to 16 mini-nuclear plants in the UK. The project is expected to create 6,000 new jobs in the Midlands and the North of England over the next five years 4.
It is important to note that while mini nuclear plants have been recognized as an important tool in fighting climate change due to their low carbon footprint, concerns about safety and waste disposal remain 1354.
Awareness Issues
Study of environmental awareness concerns in the U.S.
U.S. views on Climate Change (Pew Research):
Failure of environmental education:
The Failure of Environmental Education (and How We Can Fix It) - PMC (nih.gov)
Study, Environmental Literacy among College Students:
Environmental Literacy among College Students - PMC (nih.gov)
2023 U.N. Global sustainable Development Report FINAL GSDR 2023-Digital -110923_1.pdf (un.org)
2023 U.N. August 8 2023
It’s official: July 2023 was the warmest month ever recorded | UN News
Sustainability
The Ironic Reality of Sustainability
Despite our best efforts to quantify and mitigate our environmental impact, the fundamental truth remains there's a delicate balance between human populations and the biodiversity of a given area.
Finite Capacity:
· Every piece of land has a limit to how many people, plants, and animals it can sustain without compromising ecological health.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:
· Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and soil fertility.
· Losing species and habitats disrupts these services and reduces the environment's capacity to support life.
The Trade-Off:
· Expanding human populations and development often comes at the expense of natural habitats and biodiversity.
· Balancing human needs with environmental sustainability requires careful planning and conservation efforts.
Quantifying the Impact:
· Tools and technology help us understand and visualize our impact, but the core issue remains that growth and resource use are limited there are limits to growth and resource use.
Ultimately, the challenge is finding a way to live within these limits while maintaining a healthy and thriving planet for all life forms. A sobering yet essential realization underscores the importance of sustainable practices and mindful stewardship.
Moving toward Positive Environment,
Helping the earth to blossom
According to Steven Stosny, Ph.D., a great crisis of our times is the failure to realize that we have a drive to make the world we live in a better place. It is true that many people do not think about the impact of their actions on the environment.
The world is facing very serious problems like pollution, scarcity of water, food, appropriate shelter, economic conditions, and climate change. It is important to be aware of the impact that our actions have on the environment and to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint or. There are many ways that individuals can help reduce their impact on the environment, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, using public transportation or carpooling, eating a plant-based diet, and supporting environmentally friendly policies 1.
One of the best videos demonstrating environmental concerns was put together by one who knows, David Attenborough. Watch his video titled "A Life on a Planet" on Netflix. David Attenborough A Life On Our Planet 2020 (1080p) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Watching the video, one can develop a sense of what I mean when I say to know what is healthy, appropriate and positive it helps to know what is negative and not in the best interest of everyone and earth.
In conclusion, while it may be true that many people do not think about the impact of their actions on the environment, there are many ways that individuals can help reduce their carbon footprint and positively impact the environment. We can encourage the reduction of pollution. But we can also enthusiastically encourage the support of a healthier more beautiful world by enhancing the healthy growth of natural native vegetation, moisture, and wildlife.
Environmental awareness
The Impact of Environmental Education Activities on Primary School Students’ Environmental Awareness and Visual Expressions EJ1260775.pdf (ed.gov)
Global Climate Information
Global Climate
2024 Climate Risk HUB: Hub
Climate. Gov NOAA: Maps & Data | NOAA Climate.gov
U.N. Climate Change Report: Climate crunch time is here,’ new UN report warns | UN News
WHO Climate Change: Climate change
IPCC: IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
350.org: Climate Science and Climate Justice - 350
Greenpeace: Our Planet Needs You Now — Double Your Impact!
World Resources Institute: World Resources Institute | Making Big Ideas Happen
Climate Action Network (CAN): Climate Action Network – Home
Conservation International: Conservation International
Friends of the Earth International (FOEI): Friends of the Earth International - FOEI - ngo
C40 Cities: C40 Cities - A global network of mayors taking urgent climate action
The Climate Group: Climate Group
Fridays for Future - Earth.org: Fridays for Future: How Young Climate Activists Are Making Their Voices Heard | Earth.Org