10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health 2025

Appendix Planetary boundaries primer The planetary boundaries framework identifies nine critical Earth system processes that regulate the stability and resilience of our planet. Scientists have defined safe operating limits for each of these processes to ensure a stable environment for humanity. Biosphere integrity (boundary crossed) Measures the health and diversity of ecosystems and species. Loss of biodiversity undermines the resilience of Earth’s systems and the benefits they provide. Climate change (boundary crossed) Refers to the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2). Crossing this boundary increases the risk of severe and irreversible climate impacts. Freshwater change (boundary crossed) Concerns the consumption and management of freshwater resources. Overuse can lead to water scarcity and ecosystem degradation. Land-system change (boundary crossed) Involves the conversion of forests, grasslands and other natural habitats into agricultural or urban areas. Excessive land-use change disrupts ecosystems and carbon storage. Modification of biogeochemical flows (boundary crossed) Tracks the flow of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, from fertilizers into the environment. Excessive flows cause water pollution and dead zones in oceans and lakes.Novel entities (boundary crossed) Covers the release of new substances, such as synthetic chemicals, plastics and elements for which humans have altered their abundances including heavy metals. These can have unknown or harmful effects on living organisms and ecosystems and contribute to climate change, atmospheric aerosol loading and stratospheric ozone depletion. Ocean acidification (boundary crossed) Results from increased CO2 dissolving in oceans, lowering pH levels. This threatens marine life, especially organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons. Atmospheric aerosol loading Refers to the presence of tiny particles in the atmosphere from pollution, dust or natural sources. High concentrations affect climate and human health. Stratospheric ozone depletion Involves the thinning of the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ozone depletion increases health risks and damages ecosystems. Staying within these boundaries is considered essential for maintaining a stable and resilient planet. 10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health 38