Why is it in the news?

• Johan Rockstrom is awarded the 2024 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for his groundbreaking contributions to the Planetary Boundaries framework.

More about the news

• The Planetary Boundaries framework was first published in 2009 and has been instrumental in understanding and addressing global environmental challenges.
• It integrates nine critical Earth systems that collectively determine the state and functioning of the planet.
• These nine planetary boundaries are Climate Change, Biosphere Integrity, Land-System Change, Freshwater Change, Biogeochemical Flows, Novel Entities, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Atmospheric Aerosol Loading, and Ocean Acidification.
• These boundaries represent the safe operating space for humanity, ensuring the provision of life-supporting conditions for humans and the biosphere.
• Unfortunately, humanity is currently exceeding safe levels in the first six planetary boundaries, indicating significant ecological stress and potential risks to human well-being.
• Johan Rockstrom’s work on the Planetary Boundaries framework has been pivotal in raising awareness about these critical thresholds and advocating for policies and actions to stay within safe limits.
• Efforts to address these planetary boundaries require global cooperation, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to mitigate environmental degradation and secure a resilient future for both humanity and the planet.