How much pressure can we put on the world before we pass a point of no return? At a time when we are pushing our planet to the brink of its natural resources, are we at risk of breaching a set of invisible boundaries from which there will be no way back?
These questions have formed the basis of the planetary boundaries theory – a model based on nine planetary limits that scientists and environmentalists argue cannot be crossed if humanity is to avoid catastrophe.
In our first-ever Sustainable Business podcast we discuss and dissect the arguments behind the planetary boundaries model. What are these boundaries? How close are we to their limits? What are the implications for sustainable businesses who are looking to integrate the planetary boundaries model into their everyday operations?
To discuss these issues, the Guardian's science correspondent Alok Jha is joined by Johan Rockström, from the Stockholm Resilience Centre and one of the leading scientists behind the planetary boundaries model, Oxfam's Kate Raworth and Gail Whiteman, professor of business society management at the Rotterdam School of Management and professor-in-residence at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Also contributing their thoughts are John Vidal, the Guardian's environment editor and Linus Blomqvist from the Breakthrough Institute.