A safe operating space for humanity

Identifying and quantifying planetary boundaries that must not be transgressed could help prevent human activities from causing unacceptable environmental change, argue Johan Rockström and colleagues.

Summary

• New approach proposed for defining preconditions for human development
• Crossing certain biophysical thresholds could have disastrous consequences for humanity
• Three of nine interlinked planetary boundaries have already been overstepped

Click here to view the article on the original website: https://www.nature.com/articles/461472a