Planetary boundaries, tipping cascades and non-linearity – what does Will Steffen’s legacy teach us to address the climate emergency? With David Spratt
Description
Planet Earth is a complex natural system that has undergone changes throughout its geological history, but never before has the environment, and especially the atmosphere, changed as rapidly as in the last two or three decades. All ecosystems are affected by these dramatic changes, and thus human existence is not only the cause but is also at stake.
The recently deceased world-renowned scientist Will Steffen was one of the leading experts on defining, describing and understanding planetary boundaries, especially in relation to climate. Based on his work, he strongly warned the public and governments around the world against inaction.
We talk to David Spratt, Research Director at the Australian Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration, about Will's scientific but also climate fact and political legacy. What do we need to do to protect humanity and planet Earth? What did Will mean by planetary boundaries and how can we respect them and still provide a good life for 8 billion people?
United States
