Breaking Boundaries: The Science Behind our Planet

An accessible summary of the planetary emergency and how to turn things around, from authors whose work is the focus of a new Netflix documentary narrated by David Attenborough.

On the brink of a critical moment in human history, this book presents a vision of “planetary stewardship” – a rethinking of our relationship with our planet – and plots a new course for our future. 

The authors, whose work is the subject of a new documentary due to air on Netflix summer 2021, reveal the full scale of the planetary emergency we face – but also how we can stabilize Earth’s life support system. The necessary change is within our power, if we act now. 
 
In 2009, scientists identified nine planetary boundaries that keep Earth stable, ranging from biodiversity to ozone. Beyond these boundaries lurk tipping points. In order to stop short of these tipping points, the 2020s must see the fastest economic transition in history. This book demonstrates how societies are reaching positive tipping points that make this transition possible: groups such as the schoolchildren led by Greta Thunberg demand political action; countries are committing to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions; and one tipping point has even already passed – the price of clean energy has dropped below that of fossil fuels. The story is accompanied by unique images of Earth produced by Globaïa, the world’s leading visualizers of human impact. 

Johan Rockström is a leading global sustainability scientist and chief scientist at Conservation International. He has published several books, presented three TED talks, and, in addition to the Netflix/WWF production Our Planet, he has worked with James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, and others on several major films and TV productions.

Owen Gaffney is a science writer, journalist, and global sustainability expert who cofounded the Future Earth Media Lab and Rethink.Earth. A regular writer for New Scientist, he is also on the editorial board of Anthropocene Magazine.