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?
Global Action Vital for Chemical Crisis
A new UN panel on chemical waste and pollution faces an uncertain future after failing to agree on next steps at its first meeting. Commissioner Miriam Diamond argues how this highlights the urgency of advancing Safe and Just Boundaries.
A science-based path in Davos
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Earth Commission outlined what the science tells us about the risks of inaction and the opportunity that still remains. The message is clear: today’s economic choices will determine whether the planet remains stable and just.
Earth Commission at COP30
As world leaders head to Brazil, the Earth Commission will be on the ground at COP30 in Belém, to advocate for the role of science in getting us to a just world on a safe planet.
Social science perspectives critical for just transformations
At a recent conference, participants received a sneak peek at the Earth Commission’s narratives of transformations to a safe and just world.
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.