Planetary Boundaries: Navigating Our Limits

In this compelling interview, Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, joins the Climate Emergency Forum to discuss the science and significance of planetary boundaries in the context of accelerating climate risks. Rockström explains how the concept of planetary boundaries arose from the recognition that humanity has become the dominant force shaping Earth’s systems, pushing the planet into the Anthropocene. He details how scientists have identified nine critical Earth system processes that regulate planetary stability, noting with concern that six of these boundaries have already been breached, placing humanity in a danger zone where the risk of crossing irreversible tipping points is heightened.

This video was recorded on July 2nd, 2025, and published on July 13th, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

Rockström delves into the relationship between planetary boundaries and climate tipping points, emphasizing that the boundaries are scientifically set to avoid triggering these dangerous thresholds. He highlights recent findings that identify 16 major climate-regulating tipping elements, with six at risk of crossing their thresholds even at 1.5°C of global warming. The discussion covers the potential consequences of passing such tipping points, including the transformation of the Earth system from one that dampens warming to one that amplifies it, threatening the resilience of ecosystems like the Amazon and the stability of global climate patterns.

The conversation also addresses the challenges of uncertainty in climate science and the importance of precautionary action despite these uncertainties. Rockström underscores the need for urgent mitigation, ecosystem restoration, and adherence to science-based targets, while cautioning against risky geoengineering solutions such as solar radiation management. He expresses hope that upcoming international negotiations, like COP30 in Brazil, will embrace a whole-Earth, science-led approach grounded in the planetary boundaries framework to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for humanity.

Links:

• Support Our Mission

• Planetary Healthcheck

• Postam Institute for Climate Impact Research

• The Looming Threat of Climate Tipping Points (CEF Video)

• Ecosystem Restoration at COP15 in Montrial (CEF Video)

• Tim Lenton

Special Guest:

• Johan Rockström - is a renowned climate scientist and Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, internationally recognized for pioneering the planetary boundaries framework. His groundbreaking research explores how Earth’s critical systems interact to maintain planetary stability and resilience, helping to define the safe operating space for humanity. As a leading voice in global sustainability, Rockström advises policymakers and the public on the urgent need to address climate change, safeguard biodiversity, and transform our relationship with the planet to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Regular Panelists:

• Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.

Video Production:

• Bru Pearce - The Climate Emergency Forum expresses its gratitude to Bru for recording the video dialogue featured in this production ensuring a high-quality capture of the conversation.

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Image and Video:

• Image and Video Attributions