The article discusses the concept of "planetary boundaries" proposed by Johan Rockström and colleagues to prevent human activities from causing unacceptable environmental changes. The Holocene, a period of stable environmental conditions that allowed human civilizations to thrive, is now under threat due to human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. The authors identify nine key processes that define the safe operating space for humanity, including climate change, biodiversity loss, interference with nutrient cycles, stratospheric ozone depletion, ocean acidification, freshwater use, land use change, chemical pollution, and atmospheric aerosol loading. They argue that crossing these boundaries could lead to irreversible and catastrophic environmental changes. The article provides detailed analyses of three boundaries—climate change, biodiversity loss, and interference with the nitrogen cycle—that have already been exceeded or are close to being exceeded. The authors emphasize the interconnectedness of these boundaries and the need for a holistic approach to managing Earth's systems to ensure long-term social and economic development.The article discusses the concept of "planetary boundaries" proposed by Johan Rockström and colleagues to prevent human activities from causing unacceptable environmental changes. The Holocene, a period of stable environmental conditions that allowed human civilizations to thrive, is now under threat due to human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. The authors identify nine key processes that define the safe operating space for humanity, including climate change, biodiversity loss, interference with nutrient cycles, stratospheric ozone depletion, ocean acidification, freshwater use, land use change, chemical pollution, and atmospheric aerosol loading. They argue that crossing these boundaries could lead to irreversible and catastrophic environmental changes. The article provides detailed analyses of three boundaries—climate change, biodiversity loss, and interference with the nitrogen cycle—that have already been exceeded or are close to being exceeded. The authors emphasize the interconnectedness of these boundaries and the need for a holistic approach to managing Earth's systems to ensure long-term social and economic development.