Planetary Boundaries: The Challenges On The Environment

1. Planetary boundaries
The environment is being constantly damaged by human society. Declining resources and increasing demand for them also increases the negative impact on the environment.A continuous degradation of the environment by anthropological means shifts the Earth system towards a limit, where its ability to maintain balance might be unexpectedly changed. These limits are represented by the Planetary boundaries model. (Fig. 1)
Fig.1 Planetary boundaries (www.commons.wikimedia.org)[1]

According to Johan Rockström from the Stockholm University, nine critical limits have been identified [2] and by overstepping theirs limits, the negative impact on the environment could be irreversible.
Planetary boundaries model does not only propose

Novel entities sphere, however, also include the release of radioactive- and nano-materials. [8] According to the Planetary boundaries: Guiding human development on a changing planet, [9] the Novel entities have been define as a new forms of existing substances and modified life-forms, such as e.g. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). This boundary has not yet been defined. A further investigation is required in order to specify its limits.

Effect: Climate change, bioaccumulation, reduction in fertility, potential of permanent genetic damage, etc. [10]

1.3 Stratospheric ozone depletion
Cause: Disturbances in the Chapman Cycle (reactions that represents the natural formation and destruction of the stratospheric ozone [11]) by the CFCs (e.g. applications in air conditioning, automobiles, refrigerants, fire-extinguishers, etc.), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other anthropogenic ozone-depleting substances. [12] For instance, UV radiation brakes bonds of CFC molecules, thus releases Cl atom, which in turn separates an oxygen atom from ozone molecule.

Effect: When UV radiation is not effectively filtered, it may cause damage to ecosystems and human health.

1.4 Atmospheric aerosol