ABSTRACT
The planetary boundaries framework informed the negotiations on the 2030 Agenda. Johan Rockström pioneered work on the framework, which was published in 2009, when he was director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre. It identifies nine interrelated processes that are critical to maintaining the stability and resilience of the Earth system as a whole. Six of the nine boundaries have now been transgressed: Climate change, biosphere integrity (genetic diversity), biogeochemical fluxes (nitrogen and phosphorus), land system change, freshwater use and chemical pollution. Ocean acidification is close to the tipping point, while aerosol deposition is regionally exceeding the tipping point. Stratospheric ozone levels have recovered slightly. Despite criticisms, including that it neglects historical and regional heterogeneity, the framework proved to be an effective communication tool. It has ensured that the alarm has been sounded in the scientific and political debates about the postponement and non-implementation of the environmental targets in the Sustainable Development Goals.
