Earth Nears Critical Thresholds, Study Warns

A new study has revealed that Earth is dangerously close to breaching a seventh planetary boundary, and may have already crossed it, The Guardian reported yesterday.

The research, conducted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), assesses the state of the planet’s life-support systems.

According to the report, ocean acidification is approaching a critical threshold, particularly in higher-latitude regions. This poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and global liveability.

The study identifies nine planetary boundaries that contribute to the stability of the planet. Six of these boundaries have already been breached, including climate change, biosphere integrity, and biogeochemical flows. While stratospheric ozone depletion has remained stable, all other boundaries have worsened.

Levke Caesar, a co-author of the report, emphasized the serious implications of ocean acidification. She stated that the increasing acidity is not only harming calcifying organisms but also reducing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.