The Earth is collapsing: 7 of the 9 thresholds that allow life on the planet have been exceeded

A new study reveals an alarming picture: 7 of the 9 critical thresholds of the Earth system have been exceeded and the consequences are already being seen worldwide.

A team of more than 40 researchers from around the world has discovered that Humans have crossed 7 of the 9 limits of the Earth (ESB). This concept used in science serves to describe the interaction and interdependence of different components of our planet, such as the atmosphere and oceans.

These 9 critical points or thresholds refer to natural processes that can undergo great changes or even irreversible, with potentially serious consequences for the functioning of the system as a whole.

The scientists published their work in the magazine Nature and looked at climate, biodiversity, fresh water, and various types of air, soil, and water pollution.

With all this they came to the conclusion that humans have crossed almost all the limits that make Earth a safe and fair environment, the researchers say.

“The results of our health check are quite alarming”

These 9 limits or thresholds were predefined by scientists in 2009 and were born with the aim of establishing a framework for action and understanding of the very limits of the Earth within which humanity can safely live.

• Climate change
• ocean acidification
• Stratospheric ozone depletion
• Change in land use
• Phosphorus cycle
• Cycle of nitrogen
• Use of fresh water
• Chemical contamination
• Biodiversity loss

For example, they explain that global warming is the fault of the human being and only in the category of chemical pollutants has this limit not been exceeded, with the climate exceeding the limit of 1°C, but not the safe limit of 1.5°C per above the pre-industrial average global temperature.

The researchers said their job is for companies, cities and governments to establishn Science-based targets to address human exposure to the big problems already showing up on the planet.

“Within the five domains analysed, several boundaries are already being crossed, on a global and local scale. This means that unless timely transformation takes place, irreversible tipping points and widespread impacts on human well-being are inevitable”explains Professor Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and lead author of the study.

“Human beings are part of the Earth system. We are a large part of the problem and we have to be a large part of the solution”explains Noelia Zafra, co-author of the work. “But the problems and the solutions do not affect everyone equally and there are some human beings who bear the inconveniences of sustaining the Earth system, while others mostly benefit. It also happens that a few create problems for many”Add.