Talk: Planetary Boundaries — Are we crossing the line?
Event held on Thursday 12 February 2026, Lewes Climate Hub, 32 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2LU, FREE
All life on Earth, including human civilization, is sustained by a number of biophysical systems and processes that operate in delicate balance.
Now, human activity — from rapid population growth to runaway consumption and the pollution and destruction of the natural world — is destabilising these essential Earth systems. As it does, the stability of the ‘safe operating space for humanity’ is under threat.
How far have we breached the boundaries for these planetary systems and what can be done (and is being done) to address this critical moment for life on earth?
Bruce Phillips of the Potsdam Planetary Boundaries Science Lab in conversation from Potsdam explains, exploring:
- What are the nine planetary boundaries – and which are most under threat?
- How is the Earth system evolving under the pressure of humanity?
- How can we enable positive change, and work towards a return to the safe operating space for humanity?
View this talk on YouTube here
Read a summary of the talk here
Planetary Boundaries in brief
About Bruce Phillips
Bruce Phillips is the Science Communicator for the Planetary Boundaries Science Lab at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impacts Research (PIK Potsdam). Bruce has 20 years’ experience in science and environmental communication and has worked in Africa, Asia, Europe and Central America.
He presented research at COP24 on climate solutions education, working alongside media organisations in fact-checking and pushing back against disinformation on social media, and enjoys making films that highlight our amazing planet and the people on it.
Bruce grew up in Sussex in what is now the South Downs National Park, and it is still his favourite place.
Talk: The Financial Cost of Crossing Planetary Boundaries
Saturday 28 February, 1pm-2.30pm, FREE
What are the financial consequences of crossing the nine Planetary Boundaries? How do we build resilient economic systems and business models that can bring us back to the ‘safe zone’ for our planet — and do we fully understand the powerful role that nature can play in supporting a thriving but sustainable economy? Presented by biodiversity & finance research fellow Dougal Fleming, with case studies and financial forecasts.