Skip to content

Climate change Quote by Jonathan A. Moo

“[A] group of leading academics argue that humanity must stay within defined boundaries for a range of essential Earth-system processes to avoid catastrophic environmental change. . . . They propose that for three of these—the nitrogen cycle, the rate of loss of species and anthropogenic climate…” quote by Jonathan A. Moo
Download Open image
““[A] group of leading academics argue that humanity must stay within defined boundaries for a range of essential Earth-system processes to avoid catastrophic environmental change. . . . They propose that for three of these—the nitrogen cycle, the rate of loss of species and anthropogenic climate change—the maximum acceptable limit has already been transgressed. In addition, they say that humanity is fast approaching the boundaries for freshwater use, for converting forests and other natural ecosystems to cropland and urban areas, and for acidification of the oceans. Crossing even one of these planetary boundaries would risk triggering abrupt or irreversible environmental changes that would be very damaging or even catastrophic for society.””

Jonathan A. Moo

About This Quote

Source Scientific paper: Planetary Boundaries, 2020

Humanity has already exceeded several critical Earth system limits, risking abrupt, irreversible damage.

In simple terms: We’ve crossed key environmental limits.

Key Takeaway

Act to stay within safe boundaries.

Themes

environment risk sustainability

Mood

urgent concerned

Type

scientific policy

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • urban planning
  • resource management

Key Concepts

planetary boundaries ecosystem services

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which boundaries need urgent action?
  • How can societies prioritize planetary health?
A Different Perspective

Economic growth often conflicts with ecological limits.

2.0 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Jonathan A. Moo

Explore all 3 Jonathan A. Moo quotes

More Climate change quotes

Browse all 2,684 Climate change quotes