Addressing the Challenges of a Finite Planet and Unlocking Pathways to Global Resilience
At Climate & Sustainability Leadership, Dr. Peter Schlosser, Director of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University, takes the stage to address one of the most pressing topics of our time: "The Futures of Our World: Life on a Planet with Natural Boundaries." As a globally recognized Earth scientist, Schlosser shares insights drawn from decades of research spanning the Arctic to the Antarctic, offering a profound understanding of humanity's impact on Earth's systems.
Schlosser opens his talk by acknowledging the significance of Climate Week NYC, emphasizing how climate is just one part of a larger web of environmental, societal, and economic challenges. He explains that while climate change often dominates the conversation, the broader issue lies in the multitude of pressures humanity places on the planet. He stresses that these pressures are driving us toward a critical tipping point.
The Anthropocene: Humanity's Mark on Earth
Schlosser explains that humanity’s activities are now so pervasive that we have entered a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. Unlike previous epochs, which were shaped by natural events, the Anthropocene is defined by human influence. Schlosser tells the audience that from the outer atmosphere to the deep oceans and the polar ice caps, human activity leaves a visible mark on every part of the planet.
“We are shaping our planet from local to global scales,” he states, “but without a clear, strategic approach. We’re acting almost randomly.”
This disorganized approach has pushed the planet beyond what scientists refer to as its "safe operating space." Schlosser points out that this is not a hypothetical concern but a reality we can all witness in the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and social instability.
From the Industrial Revolution to the Decisive Decade
Tracing the roots of the current crisis, Schlosser points to the Industrial Revolution, when humanity began to rely on fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—at an unprecedented scale. This reliance has led to exponential increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which have, in turn, driven global warming. Schlosser emphasizes that this sharp rise in atmospheric CO2 correlates directly with the steep upward trend in global temperatures, aligning with the fundamental laws of physics.
He notes that CO2 levels today are higher than they have been at any point in the last 800,000 years, creating a planetary emergency that requires immediate action. Schlosser describes this moment as the “decisive decade,” explaining that the decisions made now will impact the Earth for centuries, if not millennia.
“What makes this moment unique,” he asserts, “is the global scale of the challenge and the urgency of the timeframe in which we must act.”
The Unequal Impact of Global Warming
Schlosser underscores the unequal distribution of global warming’s effects. While the entire planet is warming, some regions, like the Arctic, are heating up two to three times faster than the global average. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, is causing drastic changes, from melting sea ice to thawing permafrost, which releases additional greenhouse gases like methane.
He illustrates this with visual data showing that 2023 and 2024 have already broken temperature records, with the summer of 2024 being the hottest on record. Schlosser warns that the global average temperature will soon exceed the critical 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement, a threshold beyond which many ecosystems may struggle to survive.
The Human Face of Climate Change
Schlosser takes care to connect the dots between climate change and its human toll. He describes the increasing frequency of wildfires, floods, and droughts, and how these events are having a devastating impact on communities worldwide. He shares stories of recent disasters, from wildfires in Australia and Greece to floods in Europe and droughts in the American Southwest.
“These extreme events are no longer rare occurrences,” Schlosser explains. “They are becoming the new normal.”
He paints a vivid picture of the human cost of these disasters, showing an image of a father wading through floodwaters in Libya, clutching his child and dog. “This is the human face of climate change,” Schlosser says, stressing that many people are losing not only their homes but also their livelihoods and, in some cases, their lives.
Environmental Degradation Beyond Climate Change
Schlosser cautions that while climate change is a critical issue, it is only part of a larger crisis. He points to pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss as equally pressing concerns. He warns that the planet is being “soaked in chemicals,” noting the widespread issue of industrial pollution and the growing threat of microplastics, which are now found in nearly every human body.
“We are taking more out of the planet than it can give us,” Schlosser says, emphasizing that this over-exploitation is pushing Earth’s systems to the brink.
The Global Futures Laboratory: A Vision for Solutions
Schlosser introduces the work of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, which he directs. This initiative, he explains, is not a traditional laboratory but an interdisciplinary hub that brings together experts from across the sciences, engineering, and humanities to develop solutions for a sustainable future. Schlosser describes the laboratory’s mission as designing "options to sustain global habitability and improve well-being for all humankind."
The Global Futures Laboratory aims to address the most urgent issues facing the planet, from transitioning to renewable energy to addressing water scarcity and food security. The laboratory also seeks to provide decision-makers with the tools and information they need to make informed, sustainable choices.
Schlosser emphasizes the importance of collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, and stresses that no single sector can solve these problems alone. “We have to work together,” he says, “because the future of our planet depends on it.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Despite the immense challenges, Schlosser ends his talk on an optimistic note. He argues that while the problems we face are serious, they also present significant opportunities. Transitioning to renewable energy, for example, not only helps to mitigate climate change but also opens up new industries and creates jobs. Similarly, innovations in areas like agriculture, transportation, and water management can lead to more sustainable systems that benefit both people and the planet.
“We know what we need to do,” Schlosser says, “and we have the tools to do it. Now, we need the will to act.”
In his closing remarks, Schlosser urges the audience to move beyond despair and embrace the opportunities for transformation that lie ahead. “The future is not set in stone,” he concludes. “It is up to us to decide what kind of world we want to live in, and what kind of planet we want to leave for future generations.”
Schlosser’s message resonates powerfully with the audience, reminding everyone that while the task of safeguarding the planet is daunting, it is also an opportunity to create a better, more sustainable future for all.
