An urgent call from science: we have exceeded 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries, according to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). This alarming fact resonates globally as political leaders like Colombia’s Environment Minister, Irene Vélez, emphasize the importance of accelerating the energy transition.
In this critical juncture, Vélez highlighted that the world faces a decisive moment. Exceeding these thresholds compromises planetary stability, biodiversity, and human security. The margin for climate actions is drastically reduced, demanding decisions based on scientific evidence.
The Colombian minister warned about the limited time to avoid an ecological collapse, pushing for drastic actions supported by current data. The international landscape, affected by conflicts and volatile prices, hinders progress towards clean energies, making energy security dependent on political decisions focused on climate stability.
The recent report from the Planetary Boundaries Science Lab (PIK) reveals that humanity has surpassed 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries, a crucial indicator for the stability of the Earth system.
These boundaries encompass essential processes such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and alterations in biogeochemical cycles. Surpassing them places us in a risk zone with potential irreversible changes that destabilize ecosystems globally.
The 2025 report shows a worsening compared to 2024, when six boundaries had already been exceeded, indicating an accelerated deterioration of the planet that threatens its capacity to sustain life.
In this context, Vélez issued a clear warning: the time to act is rapidly running out. According to her, “there is little time before the window of opportunity closes,” demanding immediate actions grounded in science.
The IPCC highlights that to limit global warming to 1.5°C, it is necessary to reduce emissions by 45% before 2030, a currently distant goal.
The energy sector, responsible for about 75% of global emissions, according to the International Energy Agency, underscores the critical need for the energy transition.
The move towards a sustainable energy model is set in a complex international context. Geopolitical tensions, especially in key regions for energy supply, influence decisions and slow down the transformation.
Volatility in energy prices and dependence on fossil fuels create uncertainty for governments and investors, hindering long-term planning.
The energy transition is not only an environmental challenge but also an economic, strategic, and geopolitical one. Energy decisions are directly linked to global stability.
Planetary Boundaries
To address planetary deterioration, coordinated international action is necessary. The conference in Santa Marta brought together representatives from over 56 countries and more than 1,000 organizations and social actors, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge.
A key advancement is the creation of the Scientific Panel for Global Energy Transition, aimed at providing solid scientific foundations to guide public policies, emphasizing the integration of science in decision-making.
The energy transition is emerging as the most effective tool to reverse the current trend. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), it will be necessary to double the global renewable capacity before 2030 to meet climate goals.
The development of clean energies, electrification, and technologies like green hydrogen are crucial to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, the current pace of transformation is insufficient.
The lack of investment and structural decisions delays a transition that cannot be postponed without increasing risks.
At the recent meeting in Santa Marta, delegations from many nations agreed to create a technical scientific panel, aimed at guiding public policies and avoiding further environmental delays.
Specialists affirm that doubling the use of renewable energies is essential to ensure the future. However, the lack of financial investment continues to obstruct this crucial technological change.
Science alerts: we have surpassed 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries and it is urgent to accelerate the energy transition, indicating that the current model has reached its limits.
The planet is in a risk phase where impacts can become irreversible. In this context, acting quickly and basing decisions on science is essential.
The message is clear: the time to act is running out, and each delay increases the environmental, economic, and social cost of the climate crisis.
