Earth System

Planetary Boundaries, Polycrisis and Politics in the Anthropocene: Climate Pathways, Tipping Cascades and Transition to Sustainable Peace in Integrative Geography

This chapter explores the impacts of the “great acceleration” in human development and its impact on planetary boundaries and the polycrisis in the Anthropocene. Using an Integrative Geography perspective, it links human-nature relationships, growth limits, and global expansion to crises and geopolitical conflicts, highlighting interconnected risks. The chapter calls for sustainable peace by balancing human […]

Planetary Boundaries, Polycrisis and Politics in the Anthropocene: Climate Pathways, Tipping Cascades and Transition to Sustainable Peace in Integrative Geography Read More »

We live in times of multiple entwined crises – but our policy responses aren’t keeping up

The authors discuss the inadequacy of current policies in addressing interconnected crises like biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Drawing on two IPBES assessment reports, they argue that while these reports offer effective policy options for transformative change, progress in implementing these solutions remains insufficient.

We live in times of multiple entwined crises – but our policy responses aren’t keeping up Read More »

Managing and Mitigating Future Public Health Risks: Planetary Boundaries, Global Catastrophic Risk, and Inclusive Wealth

The authors argue for a more integrated framework to understand existential risks by bridging two dominant paradigms: Planetary Boundaries and Global Catastrophic Risks. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, the authors analyze how pandemics reveal the interconnectedness of public health, environmental degradation, and global systems. They critique the fragmentation between the Planetary Boundaries

Managing and Mitigating Future Public Health Risks: Planetary Boundaries, Global Catastrophic Risk, and Inclusive Wealth Read More »

The Global Risks Report 2025

The Global Risks Report 2025 presents insights from the Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-2025, which gathered input from over 900 experts worldwide. The report analyzes global risks across three timeframes—immediate (2025), short-to medium-term (2027), and long-term (2035)—to help decision-makers navigate current and future challenges.

The Global Risks Report 2025 Read More »

Pathogens and planetary change

The authors examine the interconnected crises of emerging infectious diseases, biodiversity loss, and environmental change, highlighting their growing social and ecological costs. They explore how pathogens respond to global change and its implications for pandemic prevention and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies such as pathogen surveillance, conservation interventions, and stronger health systems.

Pathogens and planetary change Read More »

Ways Out of the Polycrisis

In this article, Jürgen Scheffran explores the escalating global polycrisis arguing that current governance systems are failing to prevent catastrophic tipping points in the Earth system. He emphasizes the urgency of shifting from reactive measures to proactive strategies that foster “positive tipping points,” such as the rapid adoption of renewable energy and sustainable food systems.

Ways Out of the Polycrisis Read More »

The Thematic Assessment Report on Interlinkages Among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health

This report explores the interconnected crises and challenges of biodiversity loss, water availability and quality, food insecurity, health risks, and climate change, focusing on their interlinkages. It assesses current and future trends, emphasizing biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people. The report also examines response options and governance strategies to promote coordinated decision-making, minimize trade-offs, and

The Thematic Assessment Report on Interlinkages Among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health Read More »

Tipping Points, Cascading Impacts, and Interacting Risks in the Earth System: Proceedings of a Workshop

This book summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop convened by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on January 17–19, 2024. The workshop focused on understanding, predicting, and preparing for climate tipping points, cascading impacts, and interacting risks in the earth system, while fostering connections within the transdisciplinary research community.

Tipping Points, Cascading Impacts, and Interacting Risks in the Earth System: Proceedings of a Workshop Read More »

Scroll to Top