A new study published in the journal Science Advances finds Earth is exceeding "safe" levels in 6 out of 9 key environmental measurements. Climate, biodiversity, land, freshwater, pollution, and human-made chemicals are out of balance, according to the analysis. Only ocean acidity, air quality, and the ozone layer remain within safe boundaries, though the first two of these are worsening. Researchers say the planet is losing resilience and the overall system is under stress.

The study updates a 2015 analysis, adding freshwater as a new unsafe category due to worsening river health. Thresholds for each factor are based on peer-reviewed science. Simulations show that fixing any one issue could help improve the others, with e.g. forest restoration being a powerful way to absorb carbon. Biodiversity loss is especially troubling and under-addressed, according to the analysis.

While deeply concerning, experts say that it's not too late for humankind to reverse course. The ozone layer's improvement shows that problems can indeed be fixed when they are prioritized. Solutions exist, but they must be enacted swiftly and simultaneously across issue areas.

The planet is an interlinked and connected system, so stresses in one area have impacts everywhere else. Researchers encourage thinking about of earth as a complex system rather than a collection of isolated problems. While specifics are up for debate, consensus has emerged that the current path for earth is unsustainable. Urgent, thoughtful, and holistic action is required to get back within safe operating boundaries for the planet.

Here is a link to the study in Science Advances: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.adh2458