Planetary Boundaries

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This Glossary includes all definitions of global sustainability. Upon successful completion, to demonstrate a clear understanding of key definitions on global environmental change and their theoretical underpinning, as well as an up-to-date understanding of current debates in the global sustainability arena.

Dieses Glossar enthält alle Definitionen der globalen Nachhaltigkeit. Es soll nach erfolgreichem Abschluss ein klares Verständnis der wichtigsten Definitionen globaler Umweltveränderungen und ihrer theoretischen Untermauerung sowie ein aktuelles Verständnis der aktuellen Debatten im Bereich der globalen Nachhaltigkeit vermitteln.

Browse the glossary using this index

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A

Anthropocene

Is the proposed new geological epoch where humans are the main driver of earth system processes (global environmental changes) at the planetary scale. The International Stratigraphic (geological) Commission, part of the International Union of Geological Sciences is currently reviewing the evidence and will soon determine whether we are in the Anthropocene based on the geological evidence. The final decision will likely be made in 2015.

G

Great Acceleration

The Great Acceleration refers to the growth of the human enterprise on planet Earth which began gathering speed after 1950. Based on real world observations, it is possible to see that most of what we value in terms of welfare and development, from population growth, economic growth, to our paper consumption, telephone use, tourism, and the use of motor vehicle show the same pattern of exponential growth since 1950. These exponential patterns in the human enterprise come with a corresponding environmental degradation i.e. air pollution, biodiversity loss, nutrient loading. It all translates to enormous pressure on planet Earth.Acceleration

T

Tipping point

Is a point in time when a balanced system changes rapidly and dramatically and assumes a reversible state.