Biodiversity Planetary Boundary (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Biodiversity Planetary Boundary

• The planetary boundaries model outlines nine critical processes and systems that have regulated the stability and resilience of the Earth system during the Holocene epoch

  • The model identifies the level of human disturbance on certain fundamental ecological processes and systems

  • It aims to highlight where action is needed in order to avoid abrupt and irreversible changes

• The biodiversity planetary boundary refers to the limits within which humanity can safely operate to maintain the Earth's biodiversity

  • The boundary is often referred to as biosphere integrity

  • Protecting biosphere integrity means preventing the loss of species (and therefore genetic diversity) and the loss of ecosystem functioning

  • This is important as biodiversity loss can have significant negative impacts on human life and the planet's health

Current state of the biodiversity planetary boundary

• Biodiversity loss is occurring at an alarming rate due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution and overfishing, as well as human-induced climate change

  • Scientists estimate that we have already crossed the biodiversity planetary boundary

  • This means the current rate of species extinction is higher than the safe limit

• Conservation and ecosystem regeneration measures can be used to reverse this decline in biodiversity

  • The aim is to move back towards a safe operating space for humanity within the biodiversity planetary boundary

• In order for this to be achieved, these measures will need to be implemented at all levels, including:

  1. Individual behaviours, e.g.

     • Reduce, reuse, recycle

     • Sustainable consumption

  2. Collective actions, e.g.

     • Local conservation projects, such as tree planting or habitat restoration,

     • Increase understanding of biodiversity issues within communities through workshops and educational programmes

  3. National measures, e.g.

     • Establish national parks and wildlife reserves

     • Enforce laws that prevent illegal logging, poaching and trade in endangered species

     • Providing financial incentives for businesses and farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices

  4. International efforts, e.g.

     • Participate in international treaties and agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

     • Contribute to international funds that support biodiversity projects in developing countries

     • Sharing scientific knowledge and technologies across borders to enhance conservation efforts