Keynote Speakers

The planetary boundaries framework identifies nine critical Earth-system processes—climate change, biosphere integrity, land-system change, freshwater use, biogeochemical flows, ocean acidification, atmospheric aerosol loading, stratospheric ozone depletion, and novel entities—that regulate the planet’s stability and resilience. These define a “safe operating space” for humanity, where we can thrive without risking abrupt, irreversible shifts. Recent assessments show that seven of nine boundaries are now transgressed, with ocean acidification newly breached and worsening trends across most others. Crossing these interconnected thresholds heightens risks of cascading crises, from biodiversity collapse to disrupted monsoons and weakened carbon sinks. Net-zero targets, aiming to balance greenhouse gas emissions with removals by mid-century, represent a vital response to the climate boundary. Anchored in Paris Agreement ambitions and IPCC pathways, they drive decarbonization across energy, industry, transport, and land use, promising co-benefits like cleaner air and healthier ecosystems. Yet net zero alone is not sufficient if pursued in isolation. Narrow carbon-focused strategies risk transgression of other boundaries, e.g., large-scale bioenergy or poorly designed offsets could intensify land-system change, freshwater stress, or biodiversity loss. True sustainability requires embedding net-zero efforts within the broader planetary boundaries framework: respecting all limits holistically, prioritizing nature-positive transitions, equitable development, and systemic transformations that safeguard human well-being alongside Earth’s life-support systems. This is also an opportune time to rethink ambitions — not as endless growth, but as thriving within safe boundaries. By aligning aggressive net-zero action with planetary safeguards, we can forge resilient, just pathways that honor both human potential and Earth’s resilience.