Why scientists want CSOs to adopt a ‘planetary health’ approach to sustainability

Scientists are advocating for Chief Sustainability Officers to adopt a ‘planetary health’ approach to accelerate their work, as new research shows that the Earth has already breached six of nine planetary boundaries.

The Earth is approaching a state of ‘red alert’, according to the inaugural ‘Planetary Health Check’, published on September 23 by scientists at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

The report, which aims to become an annual ‘diagnostic tool’ for the planet, warns that six of  the nine recognised planetary boundaries within which humanity can continue to thrive (which include ozone depletion, ocean acidification, freshwater and land system changes and climate change, among others), have already exceeded safe limits, with a seventh fast approaching transgression.

Johan Rockström, a well-known climate scientist and director of the Institute, hopes that “by quantifying the boundaries for a healthy planet, we provide policy, economics and business with the tools needed to steer away from unmanageable risks”.