“The fact is that no species has ever had such wholesale control over everything on earth, living or dead, as we now have. That lays upon us, whether we like it or not, an awesome responsibility. In our hands now lies not only our own future, but that of all other living creatures with whom we share the earth.” David Attenborough
Abstract: This chapter explores the profound relevance of the Planetary Boundaries (PB) framework in understanding sustainability, emphasizing the critical nature of adhering to these boundaries to maintain Earth’s system stability. Introduced by the Stockholm Resilience Centre in 2009, the PB framework identifies nine Earth system processes essential for maintaining a “safe operating space” for humanity. These boundaries encompass climate stability, water cycle dynamics, and more, providing a measurable baseline from which to gauge human impact on our planet. Alarmingly, the crossing of four of these nine boundaries signals a significant shift towards the Anthropocene—a period marked by intense human influence on Earth. The chapter delves deeply into the consequences of these transgressions through comprehensive data analysis, reporting mechanisms, evaluations of both successful and failed policies, and financial instruments relevant to each boundary. Detailed case studies enrich this analysis, offering real-world insights into the practical applications and implications of the framework. Additionally, the chapter integrates these discussions with the broader context of sustainable finance, arguing that understanding and integrating PB into corporate and national strategies is not merely an environmental concern but a fundamental economic imperative. This approach is in alignment with emerging regulatory frameworks and societal expectations, and dovetails with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ecological stability and social well-being.
Keywords: Planetary boundaries, ecosystem services, circular economy, doughnut economics, blue bonds, green bonds, debt for nature, nature based solutions
Chapter 3 - Images showing planetary boundaries related to ocean health and melting glaciers.