A “Terrifying” Study: Earth has become unsafe for Humans
A recent study has revealed that the Earth “exceeds the safe space for humans according to 6 out of 9 important criteria for their health,” and two of the remaining three elements “are moving in the wrong direction.”
A group of international scientists reported in the journal “Science Advances” on Wednesday that the Earth’s climate, biodiversity, land, freshwater, nutrient pollution, and “novel” chemicals (human-made components like microplastic particles and nuclear waste) are all out of control.
While the study indicated that ocean acidity and air quality, as well as the ozone layer, still remain at rates considered safe, ocean and air pollution are heading in the wrong direction. In 2009, researchers of the study established 9 diverse and distinct standard categories and used scientific measurements to assess the overall health of the Earth.
The recent study was an update of another study from 2015 and added a sixth unsafe category, as the water measurement changed from “barely safe” to “out of control” due to the worsening condition of rivers.
They also provided improved measurements for a broader understanding of the problem. Comment by Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany and one of the study’s participants:
“We are in severe trouble. This analysis shows that the planet is losing its flexibility.” “These metrics define the fate of the planet.” “The nine elements are scientifically well-founded through a number of separate studies.” “If Earth could surpass these nine elements, it could become relatively safe, but it is now unsafe.”
