Scientists at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research have warned that industrial civilisation is close to breaching a seventh planetary boundary, specifically in the area of ocean acidification. This boundary is critical for marine ecosystems, with higher-latitude regions being particularly at risk. The research shows that six out of nine planetary boundaries have already been surpassed, including climate change, biosphere integrity, and modification of biogeochemical flows.
Despite some areas like stratospheric ozone depletion remaining stable, the overall trend is negative, according to the latest report. Ocean acidification is a growing concern, with new studies suggesting that current conditions may already be harmful to marine organisms. The effects of ocean acidification are most pronounced in the Southern Ocean and the Arctic Ocean, with potential impacts on the food web and the ocean’s ability to act as a carbon sink.
The researchers emphasize the interconnected nature of the planet’s systems and stress the importance of addressing all planetary boundaries as part of a larger network. This approach, known as planetary boundary science, was pioneered by Johan Rockstrom and others in 2009. The latest report marks the beginning of annual “planetary health checks” by the PIK, aimed at assessing the overall health and risk levels of the planet.
Rockstrom and his colleagues emphasize the need for urgent action to address the transgression of planetary boundaries to ensure the stability and resilience of the planet’s life-support systems. The report, while not published in an academic journal, is based on peer-reviewed science and is intended to reach a wider audience to raise awareness of the critical state of the world’s environment.
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