Earth on the brink of global catastrophe - scientists sound the alarm

Researchers have found that humanity has crossed seven of the nine planetary boundaries necessary to maintain living conditions on Earth. Scientists from the Potsdam Institute warn of growing environmental risk but consider the situation reversible with international cooperation, citing the recovery of the ozone layer as a successful example.

Researchers from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, led by Boris Sakschewski, have presented an updated assessment of the state of planetary boundaries—nine key parameters that must be maintained to preserve conditions suitable for life on Earth. According to the latest data, humanity has already exceeded seven of them: climate change, biodiversity loss, damage to natural ecosystems, land conversion, disruption of the water cycle, excessive use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, chemical pollution, and ocean acidification. Positive trends are observed only for the ozone layer and air pollution, although risks remain high in some regions. Sakschewski noted that pressure on already breached boundaries continues to grow, increasing the likelihood of large-scale and long-term changes, some of which may be irreversible. However, scientists emphasize that the situation is reversible: solutions exist for each problem, and the successful recovery of the ozone layer demonstrates the effectiveness of joint international efforts. The article also mentions the consequences of disrupting the natural balance: record heat, fires, droughts, and floods worldwide, including the 2025 floods in Pakistan affecting over 6.9 million people, and massive floods in 2026 in Nepal and Tibet. Scientists warn of possible intensification of extreme weather, particularly signs of a 'super-El Niño' forming off the coast of the Americas.