Planetary boundaries, tipping cascades and non-linearity – what does Will Steffen’s legacy teach us to address the climate emergency? With David Spratt

Planet Earth is a complex natural system that has undergone
changes throughout its geological history, but never before has
the environment, and especially the atmosphere, changed as
rapidly as in the last two or three decades. All ecosystems are
affected by these dramatic changes, and thus human existence is
not only the cause but is also at stake.


The recently deceased world-renowned scientist Will Steffen was
one of the leading experts on defining, describing and
understanding planetary boundaries, especially in relation to
climate. Based on his work, he strongly warned the public and
governments around the world against inaction.


We talk to David Spratt, Research Director at the Australian
Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration, about
Will's scientific but also climate fact and political legacy.
What do we need to do to protect humanity and planet Earth? What
did Will mean by planetary boundaries and how can we respect them
and still provide a good life for 8 billion people?