Publications

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.

Tipping elements of the Earth system should be considered global commons, researchers argue in a new paper published in the renowned journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The new publication is the result of an almost two year-long research process involving 22 leading international researchers. It supports and strengthens the argument that the global […]

A new study from the Earth Commission reveals that unless (semi-)natural spaces within human-modified areas are strategically created and maintained, people will miss out on the many regulating and non-material benefits that nature provides. Authors conclude that only one third of human modified-lands meet this level today. While conservation efforts usually focus on protecting the 50% […]

A new study published by an international team of researchers from the Earth Commission, hosted by Future Earth, introduces strategic and transparent procedures to help cities and businesses align their sustainability efforts with Earth system boundaries (ESBs). Earth system boundaries define safe and just limits – in relation to the climate, the terrestrial biosphere, freshwater, nutrients and […]