Earth on the brink – scientists identify critical climate changes

A new Planetary Health Check 2026 report, prepared by more than 60 scientists, shows that seven of the nine key planetary boundaries have already been exceeded. The red zone includes climate, biogeochemical flows, biosphere integrity, and the introduction of novel entities. Scientists warn of the risk of irreversible changes but note that the opportunity to change the situation still exists.

A new Planetary Health Check 2026 report, prepared by more than 60 scientists, shows that seven of the nine key planetary boundaries have already been exceeded. Researchers studied interconnected natural systems on which Earth's ability to maintain favorable conditions for human life depends. Exceeding these boundaries increases the risk of serious and irreversible changes. Critical indicators were recorded in seven areas: climate change, ocean acidification, freshwater systems, land-use change, disruption of biogeochemical flows, introduction of novel entities, and reduction of biosphere integrity. The red zone includes climate, biogeochemical flows, biosphere integrity, and novel entities. Ocean acidification, freshwater systems, and land-use change are assessed as areas of increased risk. Additional concern is raised by the consequences of extreme El Niño and the state of the Amazon, approaching a tipping point. The report's lead editor, Niklas Kitzmann, compared the results to a medical examination, noting that with such indicators, a patient would have to be immediately sent to intensive care. Scientists note that the consequences are already visible: more frequent heatwaves, continued glacier melting, marine heatwaves, and coral bleaching. At the same time, the opportunity to change the situation still exists thanks to the development of renewable energy and international agreements.