ABSTRACT
The concern with a 'safe operating space' for humanity seems to express an anthropocentric perspective. This chapter argues that the planetary boundaries framework can show respect for a more-than-human world. It explores this claim via a discussion of planetary boundary for human freshwater use (PB-W) and biocentrism, a worldview that recognizes the intrinsic value of all living beings. The chapter discusses biocentric priority rules for thinking about water use conflicts once the more-than-human space is taken into account. Thus, the exploration of the freshwater boundary shows a biocentric way of developing the framework. Its focus on sufficiency contributes to a reflexive use of the planetary boundaries (PB) concept and of global water ethics. A central bridge linking empirical boundary specification and ethical questions in the PB framework is the precautionary principle. The PB framework is based on critical processes that regulate Earth system (ES) functioning.
