The health of the world has exceeded the dangerous limit in almost all ecological indicators

The state of the world was examined in 8 ecological indicators determined in 5 basic areas, especially global temperature increase, water access, intact ecosystem balance, nutrient cycles and aerosol pollution. In the study, it is stated that human activities push the world into the danger zone in seven of eight indicators that determine the ecological balance.

Our planet faces growing crises in water availability, global temperature, nutrient cycling, ecosystem maintenance and aerosol pollution, according to a new study by the Earth Commission and published in Nature. All of these pose threats to the stability of life support systems and worsen social equity.

“We are approaching the tipping point”

One of the lead authors of the study, Prof. Johan Rockström said: “This is an attempt to make an interdisciplinary scientific assessment of the entire human-planetary system and is something we must do given the risks we face. We are increasingly approaching tipping points and seeing more and more permanent damage to life support systems on a global scale. “

The study sets out a set of “safe and fair” criteria for the planet that can be compared to the human body’s vital signs. Instead of heart rate, temperature and blood pressure, indicators such as water flow, phosphorus use and land conversion are looked at.

Thresholds crossed in many areas

The situation looks dire in almost every category. In terms of climate, the world is trying not to increase global warming 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. The world has not exceeded this threshold, but it seems that it will exceed it in the next 5 years, albeit for a short time. But the study notes that many people are already badly affected by the extreme heat, drought and floods brought on by the current level of around 1.2 degrees Celsius. The researchers say the goal for a safe and equitable climate is 1 degree, which will require a major effort to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The “safe and fair” limit to achieve this is that 50 to 60 percent of the world is home to predominantly natural ecosystems. But the reality is that only 45 to 50 percent of the planet has a pristine ecosystem.

Another target is aerosol pollution from car exhausts, factories and coal, oil and gas power plants. The World Health Organization has set the average annual exposure limit to small particulate matter known as PM2.5 at 15 micrograms per cubic metre. However, this level has been exceeded in poor countries and industrial regions.

The study also focuses on surface waters. According to the statements, no more than 20 percent of the flow of rivers and streams should be blocked in any basin area. However, this rate is at an alarming level of 34 percent today. This leads to reduced water quality and habitat loss for freshwater species. However, it is underlined that 47 percent of the world’s river basins are being depleted at an alarming rate.

Under the heading of nutrient cycles, the use of nitrogen and phosphorus is examined. It is mentioned that the use of these components (especially in agriculture) causes soil destruction and groundwater pollution. According to the report, the key point here is global equality. Poor countries need more fertilizer, while rich countries need to reduce their fertilizer surplus

Time is running out

Earth Commission co-chairman and University of Amsterdam Prof. Joyeeta Gupta “Our doctor says the Earth is really sick in many areas right now. And it’s affecting people on Earth. We have to address the causes, not just the symptoms.” she says.

The study’s authors say the diagnosis is grim but time is running out for a cure. Another Earth Commission co-chair and lead author of the study, Prof. Johan Rockström said: “Our findings are highly alarming. In the 5 key areas analyzed, many boundaries have already been crossed at the global and local scale. This means that if timely transformation is not achieved, irreversible crossover points and widespread impacts on human well-being are inevitable.” The report states that governments, regulators and companies, as well as people, need to take responsibility.