According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, the environment relates to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition. Human activities have, for a long time, affected our environment in a negative direction. We have pressured the earth's living system to a state where abrupt global environmental change can no longer be excluded. Scientists have developed a framework called planetary boundaries where humans can operate safely without threatening the resilience of our earth system. The framework includes the following boundaries and their state/condition.

Climate change has already started with melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and, more frequently, flooding and wildfires. This relates to the concentration of carbon dioxide that we humans release. The energy, transport, and agriculture industries are the biggest carbon polluters. Status, in zone of uncertainty (increasing risk).

Novel entities (chemical pollution) are existing and new substances that have the potential for unwanted geophysical and/or biological effects. Examples are synthetic organic pollutants, radioactive materials, nanomaterials and micro-plastics and these substances are connected to for example mining, fracking, drilling, and extraction of raw materials. Status, beyond zone of uncertainty (high risk) - It is out of control.

Stratospheric ozone depletion. The ozone layer surrounds the earth and filters out the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It protects ecosystems and humans from skin cancer. Substances that destroy the ozone layer are, e.g., chlorofluorocarbons (refrigerants), halons (fire extinguishers), and methyl bromide (fumigants to prevent pests). The use of chemical substances has once resulted in a big hole in the ozone layer. The world took action to decrease the whole and succeeded. Status, below boundary (safe).

Atmospheric aerosol loading is the intensity of particles in our atmosphere that humans are responsible for emitting. The intensity affects many living organisms and inhaling these results in over 800 000 human deaths yearly. It also influences solar radiation (reflection and absorption) and, thereby also, climate and ecosystems. The behavior of aerosols in the atmosphere is highly complex, and thereby, all the toxicological and ecological effects of aerosols have not been discovered. Status, not yet quantified.

Ocean acidification means that the earth's surface water is getting acidic. The boundary climate change is directly linked to ocean acidification - A quarter of the CO2 that humans release ends up in our water systems. Ocean acidification has already resulted in a change in our marine ecosystems. Status, below boundary (safe).

Biogeochemical flows stand for the flows of nitrogen and phosphorus that have been increasing due to industrial and agricultural processes. These substances are often key components of plant growth as fertilizer. When it rains, these substances end up in our waters and pollute waterways and coastal zones. Status, beyond zone of uncertainty (high risk).

Freshwater use. Freshwater as a resource is becoming increasingly scarce due to human modification of water bodies. By 2050, 500 million people will likely be subjected to water stress, which occurs when the demand exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor water quality restricts the use. Status, in zone of uncertainty (increasing risk).

Land-system change is a force that is driving both climate change and the loss of biodiversity and has an impact on water flows. Humans convert lands such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands to agricultural land. Status, in zone of uncertainty (increasing risk).

Biosphere integrity (loss of biodiversity). The earth is losing species at a pace we have never seen before. The driver for biodiversity loss is the demand for food, water, and natural resources. This results in changes in ecosystem services which, ironically, we humans are very dependent on for food, water, and other natural resources. Status, beyond zone of uncertainty (high risk).

As you may understand, these 9 boundaries are interdependent and complex, and we must work with them all if we want humanity to survive, evolve and flourish in future generations.

Many of today’s environmental issues started with the industrial revolution. Many good things come from industrialization, such as better living conditions, cultural exchange, and an increase in wealth. But the environment also started to degrade, and companies worldwide contributed to this.
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Companies have the responsibility to have as little impact on the environment as possible, and to remedy when damage has occurred. There is also a huge opportunity for companies to take part in the green transition and be a leader for environmental justice.

Besides improving the company’s environmental performance and having a positive impact on the environment, environmental action can also bring economic advantages e.g., reducing costs, improving energy and resource use, reducing compliance and liability charges, and reputational advantages e.g., stakeholder satisfaction, accessibility to capital, and being an attractive employer.

Depending on the company and its activities, different planetary boundaries apply. In order to lower the impact on the environment, the company must understand its environmental context including risks, and mitigate what environmental aspects are material for them. Example of strategies to help the company with this is:

​Key documents for further reading: