Earth's Ecological Limits: Urgent Action Required for a Sustainable Future

According to preliminary research, we have already passed most of the limits of resource utilization. The world's resources, including the climate, biodiversity, water systems and other natural resources, have exceeded their limits and reached dangerous levels. Is there a way to restore the situation?

In the past, there was a common belief that nature could sustain all of humanity's needs. Yet, A study last published in May 2023 indicating that this idea was a mistake. The researchers highlighted "safe limits" affected by human activity in five global systems:

climate: Despite the target of an agreement Paris to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, the current trajectory exceeds this limit. The study warns that exceeding a 1.5 degree increase in temperature will cause disasters and enormous suffering for millions of people. Therefore, immediate action is required to limit the temperature rise to one degree above pre-industrial levels.

Biodiversity: preservation and restoration of at least 50% of the untouched and recovered areas are essential for a healthy natural environment. This will ensure carbon sequestration, regulation of the water cycle, preservation of soil quality and protection of many ecosystems and their services. To achieve this, damaged areas need rehabilitation to reach a healthy state, which aims for a range of 50% to 60% healthy areas.

 Fresh water systems: maintaining clean water sources and rivers is essential. While too much water, such as floods in Australia or flooding, can be problematic, too little water poses a serious challenge. To restore the water systems and achieve a balance, one must follow the "golden rule", which allows no more than 20% withdrawal or addition to fresh water systems.

Food production: Agricultural practices that lead to excess nutrient runoff and water pollution must be addressed. Nutrient-rich runoff causes harmful algal blooms, adversely affects ecosystems and damages water quality. It is necessary to promote sustainable agricultural practices and limit excessive use of nutrients to protect ecosystems and ensure safe drinking water.

Air pollution: Urgent measures are needed to reduce air pollution. Recent studies show significant differences in spray concentrations, especially between northern and southern regions. High levels of particle pollution have serious health consequences for millions of people, and they contribute to various diseases and premature death. Establishing a "safe threshold" (below 15 micrograms per cubic meter of air) for various pollutants is essential to protect human health and the environment  

The researchers emphasize that immediate action, supported by governments and international bodies, is essential for a secure future. Setting and sticking to science-based goals and implementing sustainable practices are essential steps toward maintaining a safe and prosperous planet. However, it is important to recognize the challenges and doubts surrounding the practical implementation of these measures.

It is worrying because in our country, fossil fuels are still burned to generate electricity, water sources are polluted, pollution continues to harm our natural environment and forests. Agricultural practices often lead to excessive water use and pollution. In addition, waste accumulates and pollutes the environment, while fires destroy our forests and open spaces.

In conclusion, it is important to recognize that humanity's control over the environment must be replaced by responsible management. We are at a critical juncture, where action must be taken to ensure a sustainable future for both humans and the planet. The research mentioned above provides a basis for setting quantifiable boundaries and goals. By prioritizing sustainability, justice and international cooperation, we can work towards a world that thrives with clean air, abundant water and rich biodiversity.

More of the topic in Hayadan:

• The power outages prove what the OECD stated: Israel is lagging behind in taking measures to reduce the climate crisis
• "44 trillion dollars, about half of the global annual economic output is at risk because of the climate crisis"
• Arrowhead as a measure of global warming