Kate Meyer’s Post

Yesterday and today I have had the privilege of attending the Planetary Summit, organized by the Berggruen Institute at their center in Venice. The summit brought together thought leaders to explore how we might govern planetary challenges—issues arising from changes in the Earth system, many of which are driven by human activities. Climate change and zoonotic pandemics are prime examples of such pressing planetary topics. Events like COP29 in Baku, the Convention of the Parties, the parties being the nation states, serve as stark reminders of the limitations of nation states and their traditional institutions in addressing these challenges effectively. It’s increasingly clear that we must look beyond the nation-state framework, which has defined sovereignty for the past two centuries, to develop innovative models for planetary governance. While we are far from establishing practical frameworks for planetary institutions or defining what planetary politics might entail, this is a conversation we urgently need to advance. The Summit drew inspiration from Children of a Modest Star, authored by Jonathan Blake and Nils Gilman of the Berggruen Institute. This insightful book stands out for its bold exploration of futures beyond nation states, using historical examples to illustrate why planetary institutions are essential. In a landscape with few substantive proposals on this topic, their work is a significant and timely contribution.

📢 ICYMI: Johan Rockström won the Tyler Prize for Planetary Boundaries framework. In February, Johan Rockström won the Tyler Prize, also known as the ‘environmental Nobel Prize’, for his work on the Planetary Boundaries framework. The planetary boundaries research identified nine planetary systems that buffer the Earth’s climate. As of September last year, six of the nine boundaries have been crossed, indicating that Earth is outside the safe operating space for humanity. In receiving the prize, Rockström emphasises the need for collective action against climate change and expressed concern over the rise of nationalist populism, which moves away from global cooperation. He also highlighted the significant role companies play in climate action and urges them to focus on the opportunities of transition. Take a look at The Wall Street Journal's coverage below: https://lnkd.in/eP9AdRsq #PlanetaryBoundaries | Global Commons Alliance | Future Earth | Earth Commission

What is the difference between Planetary Boundaries and #EarthSystemBoundaries? Read the latest blog post from the Global Commons Alliance to learn more 🌎 https://lnkd.in/eQZfEuKe

Fact: we need a stable planet in order to thrive as a species. So why are we endangering that? And how can we correct it? These are big questions. Answers to those big questions have taken years to come, but we have them now thanks to Planetary Boundaries science. First published in 2009, the Planetary Boundaries integrate nine systems that determine the functioning and the state of the planet. We all rely on these systems for life, such as clean water, a stable climate, and vibrant biodiversity. These systems also interact and depend upon one another—as Planetary Boundaries science explains, you and I are a big part of how that happens. The Planetary Boundaries framework offers a way back to a stable planet.

A very graphical hint: we can not continue doing business as usual. Under the historical frames and data exposed on how impactful the built environment is, as building designers, we do not only have the potential but also the mission to drive a change on the paradigm of buildings environmental footprint. We must act now. Students, graduates, seniors, everyone and everywhere; architecture as a hole must align to net zero emissions goal to foster a sustainable, green, harmonious future for all.

Very clear and very illustrative.

New summary showing the evolution of "Planetary Boundaries" (PB) over time. The overview shows (1) the multidisciplinary roots of PBs and (2) how the PB framework itself informed global policy and business. This is based on a new review by Rockström et al. that discusses the past, present and future of PBs. The PB framework sharpens our understanding for the fact that the environmental crisis is not just based on a single dimension (e.g, climate), but that it is the interaction of multiple dimensions that matters. It is a "systemic planetary perspective" and hence a systemic planetary crisis. PBs are purely set on biophysical grounds without incorporating specific considerations around feasibility or human demands. The Earth system does not negotiate... === Full Review Article in 'Nature Reviews' (open access): https://lnkd.in/dYegGFka #sustainability, #planetaryboundaries

One of the most important graphics of our time to understand the criticality of a low carbon pathway within our lifetime. The Planetary Boundaries provide a scientific framework on the key areas that require financing and interventions to return our planet to a safe operating zone. Many challenges remain in approaches, available funding, political will, however the direction we all need to be moving in, is very clear. #climatecrisis #lowcarbonpathway

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is advancing the scientific frontier on inter-disciplinary climate impact research for global sustainability and contributing knowledge and solutions for a safe and just climate future. The Planetary Boundaries framework was first introduced in 2009 by a team of scientists led by Johan Rockström from the Stockholm Resilience Centre, alongside colleagues like Will Steffen. This concept outlined nine critical global biophysical boundaries that are essential to regulating Earth systems. The 3rd update in 2023 quantifies these boundaries, concluding that six out of nine have already been breached, emphasizing the pressing need for swift measures to reduce further risks. According to Rockström, director of PIK and lead author, “Monitoring and governing Earth's stability and resilience is no longer optional – it is an urgent necessity to restore Earth’s balance and stay within safe boundaries.“ The "Doughnut Model of Economics" popularized by Kate Raworth complements this work, building upon the idea of planetary boundaries but incorporating a social foundation — a "Safe & Just Operating Space for Humanity"— emphasizing that sustainable economic models should meet human needs while staying within these ecological limits. This means ensuring that all people have a right to live a dignified life, that they can enjoy the same equal and inalienable rights due to all members of the human family, and ensuring access to basic needs such as food, water, health care, and energy. So while we should strive to stay within the ecological limits, it is imperative that we avoid breaching social foundation, ensuring that inclusive and sustainable economic development which enables humanity to thrive within the "Safe and Just Space". Seeking to end human deprivation while staying within the sustainable limits of natural resource use. This pioneering science is not just about recognizing limits; it's about understanding the pathways we can pursue to sustain life, economic stability, and ecological balance. As we strive for sustainable solutions in policy, industry, and daily life, research like this underscores how science and informed action can pave the way toward a resilient future. Works Cited: • Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. (2023). Pioneering planetary boundaries science as key to mitigating rising planetary risks. https://lnkd.in/gAbWTa48 • Raworth, K. (2012). A safe and just space for humanity: Can we live within the doughnut? Oxfam Discussion Papers. Oxfam International. https://lnkd.in/g3wdxFpA • Rockström, J., Donges, J.F., Fetzer, I. et al. Planetary Boundaries guide humanity’s future on Earth. Nat Rev Earth Environ 5, 773–788 (2024). https://lnkd.in/g5k9Tchq

🦚[FROM CARBON ACCOUNTING TO RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LIVING REALMS]🦚 It will be a deeper journey for sure, but how much more potent and joyful? 👇If you want to learn more about #RegenerativeLeadership, how the healing of living ecosystems is linked to the healing of the self, and start practicing the first steps forward: waitlist is still open for the first online workshops happening last week of November, leave a comment if you'd like to join the adventure🦋 PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research