The article introduces the concept of "planetary boundaries" to define the safe operating space for humanity within the Earth System. The authors propose nine planetary boundaries, seven of which are quantified based on current scientific understanding. These boundaries include climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, freshwater use, land system change, and the rate of biodiversity loss. Transgressing these boundaries can lead to non-linear, abrupt environmental changes with potentially catastrophic consequences. The authors emphasize that these boundaries are interdependent and that social-ecological resilience is crucial in determining the impacts of boundary transgressions. They also highlight the need for further research to refine these boundaries and address societal dynamics that have led to the current situation. The concept of planetary boundaries aims to shift the approach to governance and management towards a safer and more sustainable path for human development.The article introduces the concept of "planetary boundaries" to define the safe operating space for humanity within the Earth System. The authors propose nine planetary boundaries, seven of which are quantified based on current scientific understanding. These boundaries include climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, freshwater use, land system change, and the rate of biodiversity loss. Transgressing these boundaries can lead to non-linear, abrupt environmental changes with potentially catastrophic consequences. The authors emphasize that these boundaries are interdependent and that social-ecological resilience is crucial in determining the impacts of boundary transgressions. They also highlight the need for further research to refine these boundaries and address societal dynamics that have led to the current situation. The concept of planetary boundaries aims to shift the approach to governance and management towards a safer and more sustainable path for human development.