Nate Hagens might define 'planetary boundary' in the third person as follows: Planetary boundaries, according to Hagens, are the limits within which humanity must operate to maintain the Earth’s stability and resilience. He would emphasize that these boundaries delineate the safe operating space for human societies, underpinned by critical Earth system processes. Hagens would likely highlight that transgressing these boundaries risks triggering catastrophic environmental changes, thereby undermining the life-support systems upon which civilization depends. Such boundaries encompass various ecological thresholds, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and biogeochemical cycles, which are scientifically determined based on Earth's historical conditions. For Hagens, respecting these planetary boundaries is not only a scientific imperative but a moral one, crucial for the sustainability of future generations and the prevention of systemic ecological collapse.
See also: climate change, carrying capacity, ecological footprint, fossil fuel, green growth