Entering Our Own Epoch

Conclusions                 The main point here is that there exists a safe operating space below the ceiling of planetary boundaries and above the floor of social issues. Within that space lies a sustainable economy. If humanity can successfully transition into that space, global sustainability will be achieved.                The biggest certainty in environmental science is that the future is unknown. However, societal trends seem to provide "choices" for the future. So far, there are three conventional paths that humanity could go down. The first is The Party is Over. The perception is that all the wealthy nations, the rich minority of the world who have had this fantastic journey of wealth and economic growth at the expense of the Earth system will eventually wake up to the science. And, when they do the party is over for everyone. They will force themselves, and developing nations into a much l...

Moving Towards Global Sustainability within Biophysical and Social Boundaries - My Thoughts                This week was ridiculously long so I am going to keep this post short. I really, really enjoyed the learning this week. Every section and lecture brought new and interesting information. I wish the class had spent multiple weeks delving more into these topics instead of spending weeks on the background and set-up information. All grievances aside though, I have really enjoyed this course and the brand new outlook it has given me. I can now look at global sustainability from multiple lenses and from a standpoint of economic, social, and environmental integrity. I am overall very pleased with this course.                This week I have many questions about economics. I understand the environmental side and how economics connects to the planetary boundaries. However, I think having a more fundament...

Moving Towards Global Sustainability within Biophysical and Social Boundaries                With any problem it is first important to recognize the problem, then recognize what caused the problem, and finally find and carry out a solution. For global sustainability, danger zones in the nine planetary boundaries as well as social issues are the problem. Anthropogenic overuse of resources and a disconnection from the biosphere caused the problem, and now it is time to talk about the solution.                The first thing to consider when thinking about a safe operating space for humanity is existing structures of global governance. What are those structures, and how are they contributing to the global discussion. It is critical to realize that the solution here is not about creating one static body that makes decisions as a world government. Instead complex interactions and cooperation between state and...

Planetary Boundaries and Global Equity - My Thoughts                This week was probably my favorite so far. Finally we saw connections between sustainability and humanity. I really enjoyed learning about how economics and social issues connect to environmental science and the planetary boundaries. The homework and the lectures this week introduced me to some really cool people and ideas in this field. Kate Raworth and Carl Folke are both individuals whose work I will look more into going forward. I learned about Raworth's Doughnut Economics, which I find fascinating and very critical. I also learned from Folke himself about his work with connecting the biosphere back into economics. I am actually about to start a semester long economics class and I cannot wait to compare his models with the course material. Finally, how can you not enjoy a lecture that uses a Beatles song lyric as evidence. "Because the world is round it turns me on. Becau...

Planetary Boundaries and Global Equity               Planetary boundaries are important because they create the ceiling, or the maximum resilience, of Earth system processes. However, none of the planetary boundaries would ever be reached if not for human action. It is time to put humanity back into the equation, and find solutions for a sustainable future within the limitations and opportunities of modern society.              It is time to couple biophysical analysis of Earth system science with human dimensions. While it is necessary to think in terms of a safe ecological operating space, it is just as important to think within a just and fair operating space for people. When moving along this new pathway of thinking it is vital to recognize that no boundary operates independent of itself. Each of the nine Earth systems are interlinked with each other through feedbacks. If humanity pushes one boundary towards...

Conclusions - Notes Lecture 1 – Development of the Sustainable Development Goals – Professor Johan Rockstrom -There seems to be three conventional choices to our future, which is debated in all the negotiation: The Party is Over: there seems to be three conventional choices to our future, which is debated in all the negotiation; from climate change, to biodiversity, desertification, chemicals, trade; and the first perception is that the rich nations, the rich minority in the world, largely the industrial countries, have had this fantastic journey of wealth and economic growth occurring at the expense of the Earth system. And now we're waking up to the science, and the rich world is telling the poor world that, "Sorry guys, the party is over. You came too late. We're pushing you off the ladder, and now we all have to chew the sour pill, and simply lock ourselves into a much, much less attractive future in terms of economic growth Contract and Converge: The se...