7 of 9 planetary boundaries exceeded
Drawing on earth system science, the planetary boundaries framework identifies nine ecological boundaries critical for maintaining the stability and resilience of the earth system, in other words, keeping earth within a safe operating space for humanity (1). A leading team of international scientists recently concluded that 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries have been exceeded (2), taking us even further down the path toward experiencing greater and more frequent catastrophic events.
Recognising that business impacts both on society and the environment, and in a reverse way, they too on business, a fundamental question raised by the above revelation is whether the current story about sustainability – the way we think, talk and respond to sustainability – in business and beyond – is helpful in averting planetary catastrophe?
Urgent response
I fear not, and consequently in urgent response, I aim with this blog to highlight among others, how important it is for businesses and others to shift their underlying thinking, the story and conversation that drives strategic decision making and action in business, from one guided by sustainability to regenerativity. In other words, from being a sustainable business to become a regenerative business
Paraphrasing my thoughts…..“No longer is it sufficient to talk about sustainability, where being sustainable for a business means minimising their negative impacts on the environment. Example minimisation strategies could include: ‘reducing carbon emissions’, ‘minimising waste output’ and so on. To put it bluntly, we can’t afford any further negative impacts, let alone have as our focus impact minimisation, as if this were a sufficient end goal”.
Negative impacts lead sooner or later to planetary catastrophe
“It isn’t rocket science to highlight that allowing for any negative impacts leads to the same outcome – environmental and human catastrophe. The only thing that changes, with the slowing down effect from following minimisation strategies, is the timeframe of the catastrophe! Please read my last sentence again more slowly………The only thing that changes, with the slowing down effect from following minimisation strategies, is the timeframe of the catastrophe”!
Now that that has hopefully sunk in, to avert catastrophe, what is the necessary alternative?
A necessary alternative: Regenerative business
“In its place, we urgently need to be talking about what it means to be a regenerative business, a business that emphasises ‘maximising the positive impacts’ of all of its activities, systems and processes”.
To be continued….
In a future blog post I explore in greater detail what a regenerative business is and what it looks like characteristically.
References
- Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K., Persson, Å., Chapin, F. S., Lambin, E. F., … & Foley, J. A. (2009). A safe operating space for humanity. nature, 461(7263), 472-475.
- Planetary Boundaries Science (PBScience). 2025. Planetary Health Check 2025. Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany. https://www.planetaryhealthcheck.org/wp-content/uploads/PlanetaryHealthCheck2025_ExecutiveSummary.pdf
