How human activities change the Earth system

The biophysical guardrails for sustainable development

Abstract

All scientific findings about the Earth system show clearly that humanity intervenes so massively in Earth system processes that the conditions for future generations – but already noticeable today – will deteriorate significantly. The results of different concepts point in the same direction consistently: Several planetary boundaries have been exceeded, biochemical cycles are being reshaped on a global scale, humanity has even become the most powerful formative force on earth, irreversible processes like climate change and loss of biodiversity are accelerating, the functionality of ecosystems is decreasing. Sustainable development, which ensures the safe and comfortable existence of human societies on Earth, is conceivable only within the biophysical boundaries of the Earth system. Our consumption and production patterns must first and foremost be oriented towards these boundaries in order to be sustainable.