The Origins of the Boundary Concept

This lecture introduces the concept of planetary boundaries, or a set of limits or safe parameters within which humans should maintain their economics activity. Professor Sachs further examines the history of the notion of limits or boundaries to growth, beginning with Thomas Malthus’ theory of population in the late 18th century, and explains the urgency of the need to bring human productivity to a level that is compatible with the livelihood of other species and the sustainability of earth’s resource levels.