Planetary Boundaries: Breakthrough Science from Frontiers Planet Prize Champions

What if science could show us how to keep the planet safe and thriving? What if we could cut air pollution, protect biodiversity, and slow climate change, all through evidence-based action? And what if the answers were already emerging from research happening across the globe? Thanks to pioneering work by scientists recognized through the Frontiers Planet Prize, we now have a roadmap for transforming these possibilities into reality. Through the planetary boundaries framework, you will explore breakthrough research from Frontiers Planet Prize Champions and learn how to translate complex science into actionable insight. Each module highlights one Champion’s work as a foundation for exploring wider sustainability themes, from ecosystem health and freshwater to agriculture, air quality, and urban resilience. Together, these modules show how cutting-edge science connects to the real-world decisions that shape our collective future. Developed in collaboration with the Frontiers Planet Prize, this dynamic, open-access course is updated yearly with new research introduced by new Frontiers Planet Prize champions showcasing new discoveries, keeping learners at the forefront of sustainability science. Designed for students, educators, policymakers, and curious global citizens alike, it offers tools to understand planetary systems, make informed choices, and contribute to global solutions for a safe and just future. By joining this course, you will not only learn about the boundaries that keep our planet in balance, you will also see how science can drive meaningful change. With interactive modules, current research, and practical applications, this course makes planetary boundaries science accessible, engaging, and action-oriented. Course research and development assistants: Dr. Neta Lipman, is the Founder and Acting Director of the New Environmental School at Tel Aviv University, with over 20 years of experience in environmental policy, education, and science communication.She previously served as Senior Deputy Director General at Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and as CEO of the Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, where she founded the Mimshak Fellowship and the Zavit science communication platform. She holds a PhD in Political Science from Tel Aviv University and is committed to advancing research, education, and collaboration to drive meaningful environmental change. Research Assistant and Instructor: Nina Eshel David (BPT), Daniela Kaplan (MA), Or Raphael (MA) 36:T

• Understand the planetary boundaries framework and how it defines Earth’s ecological limits.
• Apply systems thinking to explore how human and natural systems interact within those boundaries.
• Explore breakthrough research by Frontiers Planet Prize Champions and its global implications.
• Examine how human activities affect planetary systems and identify today’s most urgent environmental challenges.
• Discover practical ways to reduce environmental footprints through daily choices and systemic solutions.
• Interpret scientific evidence to make informed decisions for sustainability.
• Connect science with action by linking research to policy, business, and community initiatives.
• Explore sustainability challenges and solutions from a global perspective.
• Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate environmental issues and propose actionable solutions.
• Stay at the forefront of sustainability science as the course evolves with new discoveries.