Watch our talk: Planetary Boundaries: Are we crossing the line? (1hr 16 mins)

In February, as part of Lewes Climate Hub’s ‘Earth in the Balance’ season, we welcomed Bruce Phillips of the Planetary Boundaries Science Lab at the Potsdam Institute to talk about their work on the nine biophysical systems essential to life on earth. Bruce explores how far human activity is destabilising these critical systems and answers audience questions on what can be done to bring Earth back to a ‘safe operating space’. A summary of Bruce’s points is given here.

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.

But 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?

In a talk for the Lewes Climate Hub ‘Earth in the Balance’ season in February 2026, Bruce Phillips of the Potsdam Planetary Boundaries Science Lab explores:

• 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?

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.