Earth system justice needed to identify and live within Earth system boundaries

Joyeeta Gupta, Diana Liverman, Klaudia Prodani, Paulina Aldunce, Xuemei Bai, Wendy Broadgate, Daniel Ciobanu, Lauren Gifford, Chris Gordon, Margot Hurlbert, Cristina Y.A. Inoue, Lisa Jacobson, Norichika Kanie, Steven J. Lade, Timothy M. Lenton, David Obura, Chukwumerije Okereke, Ilona M. Otto, Laura Pereira, Johan RockströmJoeri Scholtens, Juan Rocha, Ben Stewart-Koster, J. David Tàbara, Crelis Rammelt, Peter H. Verburg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

Living within planetary limits requires attention to justice as biophysical boundaries are not inherently just. Through collaboration between natural and social scientists, the Earth Commission defines and operationalizes Earth system justice to ensure that boundaries reduce harm, increase well-being, and reflect substantive and procedural justice. Such stringent boundaries may also affect ‘just access’ to food, water, energy and infrastructure. We show how boundaries may need to be adjusted to reduce harm and increase access, and challenge inequality to ensure a safe and just future for people, other species and the planet. Earth system justice may enable living justly within boundaries.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)630-638
Number of pages9
JournalNature Sustainability
Volume6
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Food Science
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Ecology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Urban Studies
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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