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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
06:04
Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
12.0K
Toward energy systems within the planetary boundaries
Samir Meramo1,2,3, Jaime A Mesa4, Natalia A Cano-Londoño5,6
1Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 220, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark. samir_meramo@smhsustainability.com.
Ambio
|May 27, 2025
Summary
Fossil fuels push planetary boundaries, impacting climate and oceans. Renewable energy offers solutions but requires careful planning to avoid new environmental trade-offs for sustainable energy transitions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability Science
- Energy Policy
Background:
- Energy systems are crucial for development but drive significant global environmental impacts.
- Exceeding planetary boundaries poses risks to Earth's stability.
- Quantitative sustainability assessments are needed to evaluate energy sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of energy systems in transgressing planetary boundaries.
- To identify environmental hotspots associated with different energy sources.
- To explore pathways toward more sustainable energy alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Review of quantitative sustainability assessments of various energy sources.
- Analysis of environmental impacts against planetary boundary thresholds.
- Identification of trade-offs and synergies in energy transition pathways.
Main Results:
- Fossil-based energy systems significantly contribute to exceeding planetary boundaries, particularly climate change, ocean acidification, chemical pollution, and eutrophication.
- Renewable energy systems show improved performance regarding climate change and ocean acidification.
- Expansion of certain renewables, like bioenergy, may cause trade-offs in land use, water demand, and biogeochemical cycles.
Conclusions:
- A holistic approach is necessary, integrating planetary boundaries into energy transition strategies.
- Minimizing environmental impacts requires careful consideration of trade-offs associated with renewable energy expansion.
- Sustainable energy futures depend on balancing development needs with Earth system integrity.
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