Publications

The latest paper from the Commission lays out its next steps in assessing and updating the Safe and Just Boundaries as well as the transformations that will be needed to safeguard the planet while ensuring well-being for all.

In a new paper, Earth Commission scientists argue how today’s climate scenarios are falling short. They call for a rethink that puts justice, diverse knowledge, and systemic change at the heart of modelling.

Earth Commission scientists have validated the regional “safe limit” for air pollution over South Asia, confirming that exceeding certain levels of airborne particles increases the risk of severe drought.

Growing evidence shows that the oceans’ circulation systems can “tip” in a warming climate. The evidence is less clear for the monsoon systems, according to a new study led by Earth Commission researchers.

In a new paper, members of the Commission explain the criteria for setting these boundaries. They also find 14 to 85% of the global population are currently exposed to harm from critical areas like climate, water, and air pollution.

Research from one of the Earth Commission’s working groups reveals that aligning climate targets between major colocated cities and businesses could amplify emissions reductions by 67%, driving significant progress toward sustainability.

Cities and businesses have an untapped potential to drive global sustainability efforts, but both need clear directives to act. Could empowering them be the key to achieving future development goals?

What is the safe and just space within which humans must learn to manoeuvre? Which are the Earth System Boundaries that ensure a stable planet and minimises harm to humans and other species? And how can just access to basic living standards be ensured for all people? This video from the Earth Commission serves to […]

What are the implications for governance of Earth system justice and Earth system boundaries? What are the transformations necessary to live within the safe and just space, where everybody on the planet is able to live a life free from poverty? A new report, led by Earth Commissioners Joyeeta Gupta and Diana Liverman, offers a […]

New research published today in The Lancet Planetary Health shows that the planet will only remain able to provide even a basic standard of living for everyone in the future if economic systems and technologies are dramatically transformed and critical resources are more fairly used, managed and shared.