In 2009, a group of 28 scientists led by Johan Rockström (a renowned climate scientist- to put his work lightly), proposed a new framework for monitoring Earth’s systems and our outsized influence on them. The group identified nine “planetary life support systems” essential for human well-being, and through them the framework posits that Earth system processes on the planet have boundaries or thresholds that should not be crossed. While groundbreaking, the initial quantification of these boundaries was met with much criticism due to the arbitrary metrics some used at the time. This led to a significant update of the framework and it’s algorithm for quantification of our planet’s wellbeing in 2015, followed by assessments of those boundaries in 2023 and 2025.

As of 2025 we have crossed 7 of the 9 boundaries according to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, you can read their report here. While these boundaries are by no means the end-all-be-all of climate science, this is deeply troubling news. In these next few paragraphs, I hope to explain what this means, provide you with sources for self-education, and elaborate on the lights I see at the end of the tunnel.

What does this mean?
Succinctly as possible; The 9 primary systems that allowed advanced lifeforms to evolve and exist on Earth are damaged or broken. Since 1950, we have so radically accelerated the decline of our environment that we have eclipsed the past 10,000 years.

What can I do with this information?
Like all information, you can disseminate it and use it to inform your peers. Roughly 25% of Americans still deny climate change, and while this may not be the tipping point for everyone, some people might find this source to be the convincing argument they needed. Beyond that, even for those already climate-aware, many prefer specific information over a general sense that “the world is on fire”. We, as a global society, need to implement radical change in the next few decades if we want the planet to be livable. “Radicalizing” surveys and information is necessary for educating and inspiring that change.

What actions can I take?
You can reach out to your local and state representatives to pressure them to make more environmentally conscious decisions. You can take action in your own life to make more sustainable choices, use a reusable water container, avoid individually packaged products, avoid driving when you could bike or use public transport. None of these are “new” solutions, but they are more important now than ever.

If you’re doing something sustainable that you feel needs more coverage or guidance, reach out to us, it’s our job (and our great joy) to support ecologically savvy entrepreneurs.

Go check out the 2025 Planetary Health Check. Stay informed, and try to inform others. Thank you for reading, and I hope you continue to do work that matters.
No matter what, keep up the fight. We only have this one planet.