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Shock study: 60% of the earth is in danger of tipping over due to humanity!
A recent study by the Potsdam Institute shows that 60% of Earth's land area lies outside safe ecological limits, posing serious threats to ecosystems and food security.
Shock study: 60% of the earth is in danger of tipping over due to humanity!
Earth is facing a serious challenge: a recent study shows that an impressive 60% of the global land area already lies outside the safe ecological boundaries essential for stable and healthy ecosystems. According to the scientists who took part in this research, it is not just about the area, but also about the fundamental processes that protect and enable our lives and our environment. What is particularly alarming is that this loss of biosphere integrity is caused primarily by human activities such as deforestation, intensive agriculture and industrial expansion, according to Times of India.
The study, conducted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and BOKU University in Vienna, examined historical data since 1600 to assess the impact of human activity on the biosphere. By 1900, 37% of the earth's surface was already in a critical area; today this percentage has increased to 60%. There are worrying signs of disruption since the 17th century, particularly in Europe, Asia and North America. According to experts, there is an urgent need to fundamentally rethink the way we use resources.
The consequences for our future
The consequences of this ecological crisis are far-reaching. Loss of biosphere integrity threatens food security, water supplies and impacts our climate. Scientists warn that disrupting carbon, water and nitrogen cycles could have fatal consequences. These findings are consistent with the planetary boundaries framework, which analyzes the state of Earth systems in relation to human activity, as described on the Planetary Boundaries platform.
If we exceed ecological limits, we risk not only ecosystem collapse, but also severe food crises, water shortages and extreme climate conditions. Researchers therefore strongly recommend reducing the intensive use of land for agriculture and energy production and increasing protection of natural forests and grasslands. Innovative approaches such as regenerative agriculture and a more conscious use of fertilizers could help to regenerate soil quality and preserve biological diversity.
The alarming extinction rate
Another critical aspect that is discussed in this context is the extinction of species. It is estimated that there are between 8 and 100 million species worldwide, of which around 2 million have already been described. According to Josef Settele, a biologist at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, the planetary limit of a maximum of 10 extinctions per million species per year has already been exceeded. Since 1800, around 2.5 percent of amphibian species have been lost - this rate is many times higher than the natural extinction rate, which further underlines the instability of the biosphere Helmholtz.
A minimum proportion of the globally available energy and materials must be available to ecosystems in order to keep them in balance. Excessive extraction by humans threatens the functional integrity of the biosphere. From photosynthesis to storing carbon compounds to providing food, the biosphere is a simple but essential network that relies on our healthy lifestyles.
In view of this threatening situation, it is clear: International cooperation and innovative approaches are essential to integrate the necessary protection of the biosphere into political frameworks and climate protection agreements. If we do not change this course, the stability of our planet will be in jeopardy.