Planetary boundaries framework defines safe limits for human development

The concept of planetary boundaries serves as a scientific framework to evaluate the state of natural processes that regulate Earth's stability. This model identifies safe operating spaces for humanity across nine interrelated processes, including climate change, freshwater availability, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, atmospheric aerosols, and the introduction of new substances like plastics and chemicals.

Researcher Yuván Contino Esquijerosa warns that many of these boundaries are being exhausted due to human activities. Specifically, deforestation and the disruption of biological cycles contribute to global warming and can alter animal behaviors. Such ecosystem disturbances may increase the risk of pandemics by turning species into reservoirs for diseases that they would otherwise naturally control.

To promote environmental conservation and scientific knowledge, the Carlos Slim Foundation, in alliance with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Telmex-Telcel Digital Library, has launched a free online course titled ‘Planetary Boundaries’. Hosted on the Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad platform, the course aims to teach participants how to define sustainable actions to protect the planet.