Publications

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 […]

A major new report, with leading contributions from multiple Earth Commissioners, highlights the risks and opportunities of both negative and positive tipping points in the Earth system and was launched at COP28. The report, which is the most comprehensive review of tipping points to date, includes an analysis of ‘super leverage points’ that can be […]

In a new paper, Earth Commission experts investigate how to ensure the basic water needs of the world’s population can be met in a safe and just manner. About one third of the global population live in river basins where, in order to stay within safe and just boundaries for water, their basic water needs […]

Humans are taking colossal risks with the future of civilization and everything that lives on Earth, a new Earth Commission study published in the journal Nature shows. Developed by more than 40 researchers from across the globe, the scientists deliver the first quantification of safe and just Earth system boundaries on a global and local level for several biophysical processes and systems that regulate the state of the Earth system.

In a new study published in Nature Sustainability an international team of scientists from the Earth Commission, convened by Future Earth, investigates how global biophysical boundaries need to be adjusted to ensure a safe and just future for people, nature and the planet. This new framework integrates methods to reduce harm to people, increase access to resources, […]

With the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework now set, attention turns to its potential for implementation and achieving its 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature.

Explore a complete bibliography of the Earth Commission publications from 2020 until now. The list includes Earth Commission peer-reviewed papers, papers led by the different working groups of the Commission and associated papers.

In a new associated paper of the Earth Commission an international group of researchers show that temporarily overshooting the climate targets of 1.5-2 degrees Celsius could increase the tipping risk of several Earth system elements. This tipping risk increases even if in the longer term the global temperature would stabilize within the Paris range. Avoiding an […]