Earth in ‘danger zone’ in nearly all ecological ways, study says
- New study by Earth Commission paints an alarming picture of the planet’s health
- Seven of eight ‘Earth systems boundaries’ have already been surpassed by humans
Earth has pushed past seven out of eight scientifically established safety limits and into “the danger zone”, not just for an overheating planet that’s losing its natural areas, but for the well-being of people living on it, according to a new study.
The study looks not just at guardrails for the planetary ecosystem but for the first time it includes measures of “justice”, which is mostly about preventing harm for countries, ethnicities and genders.
The study by the international scientist group Earth Commission published in Wednesday’s journal Nature looks at climate, air pollution, phosphorus and nitrogen contamination of water from fertiliser overuse, groundwater supplies, fresh surface water, the unbuilt natural environment and the overall natural and human-built environment.
Only air pollution wasn’t quite at the danger point globally.
Air pollution is dangerous at local and regional levels, while climate was beyond the harmful levels for humans in groups but not quite past the safety guideline for the planet as a system, the study from the Swedish group said.