Safe Operating Spaces: Planetary Boundaries, Social Foundations, and Just Transformations

Exploring the boundaries of a thriving planet and just society.

This course provides a background to the concept of Planetary Boundaries focusing on critical thresholds in Earth system processes that sustain life, as well as the linked doughnut model of social
foundations. Together, these planetary and social boundaries define a safe and just operating space for humanity to thrive without impacting critical earth system processes that include climate
change, biodiversity collapse and pollution. Through a systems approach linked to case studies, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and pathways for just transitions
towards planetary and social sustainability.