WHAT WE DO
Life on Earth depends on clean air and water, biodiversity, healthy oceans, and a stable climate. These are the global commons: the shared resources that are essential for a habitable planet. The Earth Commission synthesizes the latest science to define these limits, ensuring that the planet remains stable (safe) and everything living on it can thrive (just). The ‘Safe and Just Boundaries’ are becoming the foundation for future sustainability targets and practices. The Commission also explores the transformations that are required to live within the Safe and Just Space for people and planet.
WHAT'S NEW?
A global boundary for chemical pollution
Thirty-five experts from 27 institutions met in Toronto to agree how to set global limits for chemical pollution, and assess whether humanity has already crossed them. Their consensus will inform a peer-reviewed paper expected in 2027.
A justice framework to guide governance
What does justice mean when we talk about staying within the limits of the planet? Earth Commissioners presented a refined Justice framework at a conference with Earth System Governance experts last week.
A justice framework to guide governance
What does justice mean when we talk about staying within the limits of the planet? Earth Commissioners presented a refined Justice framework at a conference with Earth System Governance experts last week.
London Climate Action Week
How can systems thinking help accelerate climate action, and what does a safe and just future look like in practice? Commission members will tackle these questions at two events during London Climate Action Week, bringing science-based perspectives to conversations on planetary stewardship.
WHO WE ARE
The Earth Commission is an international team of leading social and natural scientists, supported by a scientific secretariat and external experts, organised in four workstreams. The Commissioners have extensive experience in interdisciplinary research and international science-policy collaborations.
Publications
Find research from Earth Commission working groups, collaborative reports and groundbreaking scientific papers about the transformation toward a safe and just future.
OUR HOSTS
Future Earth
The world’s largest network of sustainability scientists, Future Earth harnesses the experience and reach of tens of thousands of scholars from across the globe. Our commissioners are appointed through a process convened by Future Earth, which also hosts its secretariat.
Global Commons Alliance
A coalition of scientists, philanthropists, civil society groups, and businesses, the Global Commons Alliance enables collective action to accelerate systems change and stewardship of the global commons. The Commission forms the alliance’s scientific backbone.
RESOURCES
Learn more about the Earth Commission’s work by exploring our scientific visuals and explainers as well as useful resources about the Safe and Just Boundaries.