A new study published in the journal Nature by the Earth Commission, an international group of scientists, reveals that Earth has exceeded seven out of eight scientifically established safety limits and has entered "the danger zone." This threatens the planet's ecological balance and natural areas and endangers its inhabitants' well-being. The study introduces the concept of "justice" by considering preventing harm to countries, ethnicities, and genders alongside ecological indicators.
The study examines various factors such as climate change, air pollution, water contamination from fertilizer use, groundwater supplies, surface water, the preservation of natural environments, and the overall state of the natural and human-built environment. Air pollution is the only category that hasn't reached dangerous levels globally. However, the study identifies problem areas, or "hotspots," in Eastern Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, Brazil, Mexico, China, and the U.S. West, primarily due to climate change. For instance, about two-thirds of Earth's freshwater sources do not meet safety criteria.
The study co-author, Kristie Ebi, emphasizes that the Earth is currently in a danger zone concerning most planetary boundaries. If the planet were to undergo an annual checkup, it would be considered severely ill, affecting its inhabitants. Nevertheless, the scientists stress that there is hope for recovery if substantial changes are made, such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels and adopting sustainable land and water usage practices.
The study establishes quantifiable boundaries for each environmental category, focusing on what is safe for the planet and when it becomes harmful for specific groups of people, reflecting a justice issue. This perspective incorporates fairness between generations, nations, and species. The report aligns with the 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit set in the 2015 Paris climate agreement. While Earth hasn't breached this safety threshold yet, the study highlights that even at the current 1-degree Celsius warming, significant damage is occurring, with millions of people exposed to extreme heat.
The study's emphasis on sustainability and justice being interconnected resonates with experts in the field. However, some express skepticism about the potential impact of the research on driving meaningful action. Nonetheless, the study's comprehensive approach, including local and regional assessments and the consideration of justice, marks a significant advancement in measuring and addressing Earth's ecological challenges.
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