No safe planet without justice | No justice without a safe planet
The Earth Commission’s first study quantifying Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries, published in Nature, shows that most of the boundaries, on a global and local scale, are already transgressed. This means that unless a timely transformation occurs, it is most likely that irreversible tipping points and widespread impacts on human well being will be unavoidable. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated action across all Earth’s vital systems, the injustice inherent in current world targets, and the need for just transformations.
Path to prosperity for planet & people if Earth’s critical resources better shared
The Earth Commission’s second flagship study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, quantifies the ‘Safe and Just Space.’ It is the first time scientists have quantified safety (a stable planet) and justice (people being protected from harm and ensured a life free from poverty) in the same units – demonstrating that justice is a prerequisite for the safety of both the planet and its people.
Figure based on the Lancet infographic, available here: https://www.thelancet.com/infographic-do/earth-commission-2024
This novel research shows that, through just transformation, it is possible for all humans to escape poverty and be safe from harm caused by Earth system change.
Figure based on the Lancet infographic, available here: https://www.thelancet.com/infographic-do/earth-commission-2024
The only way to provide for everyone and ensure societies, businesses and economies thrive without destabilising the planet is to reduce inequalities in how critical Earth system resources, such as freshwater and nutrients, are accessed and used – alongside economic and technological transformation.
The time left to act is extremely limited. The challenge now lies in the speed and scale of transformation. We must shift from an incremental approach to transformational, systemic change that is fair for all.
Figure based on the Lancet infographic, available here: https://www.thelancet.com/infographic-do/earth-commission-2024
A new chapter in sustainability thinking
The Safe and Just Space provides a scientific underpinning for safeguarding the global commons for all people now and into the future.
It gives businesses, governments and civil society the best scientific research on what it means to live within the boundaries of the planet. The Safe and Just space puts human needs at the centre, quantifying the conditions needed to achieve an equitable and just transition.
In the short term, actions that would move us towards the Safe and Just space provide businesses with a chance to stay ahead of regulatory scrutiny, and meet the expectations of an increasingly conscious consumer and stakeholder base. In the long-term, they will enable them, and others, to protect the communities, economies and natural resources upon which their operations depend.
The Science-based Targets for Nature, which build on existing science-based targets for climate, enabling companies to take holistic action on climate and nature in the face of mounting environmental and social crises, are aligned with the Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries science.
Read some of the supporting quotes for the science here.
