Exploring planetary boundaries through an interactive workshop

Written by Joy and Elise van Breda
Published on: May 20, 2025

Earth’s life-support systems are weakening.

Addressing one challenge, such as climate change, without considering others, like biodiversity loss or pollution, won’t get us where we need to go. We need a whole-Earth approach, grounded in systems thinking – one that integrates science with collective action and long-term vision.

But how do we achieve that?

Part of the answer lies in raising planetary awareness and empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.

That’s why we – Elise van Breda & Joy van Breda – contribute to the international development and roll-out of the Planetary Boundaries Fresco (Fresque des frontières planétaires) – a participatory workshop that brings the Planetary Boundaries Framework to life.

What is the Planetary Boundaries Fresco?

The Planetary Boundaries Fresco, is a collaborative, systems-thinking experience. It invites participants to explore the links between land, biodiversity, climate, water, and other key Earth system processes – and to identify sustainable pathways and systemic solutions to prevent planetary overshoot. Inspired by the successes of the Climate Fresk format, the workshop was built to make planetary boundaries science accessible and actionable to all.

Rooted in the groundbreaking work of the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), this workshop explores the nine planetary boundaries that define a safe operating space for humanity. It helps us explore what keeps our planet and ecosystems resilient and functioning, and what happens when we continue to push beyond the boundaries of the planet we call home.

But more than that, it’s about people – and what we can achieve when we work together. A space where individuals can take a step back, connect the dots, and ask: Where do I fit in? What can we build together?

We explore systems thinking, planetary stewardship, and the kinds of collective actions that are needed to create a safe and just future for all.

Why systems thinking matters

The science continues to evolve – and deepen the conversations we host.

A recent new study, “Exploring pathways for world development within planetary boundaries“, published in Nature, led by Detlef Van Vuuren (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency and Utrecht University), with contributions from Johan Rockström (PIK Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research) and many others, projects how planetary boundaries might evolve under different socio-economic scenarios and explores whether ambitious policies can steer us back within the safe operating space for humanity.

The study shows that while strong climate policies offer co-benefits for many planetary boundaries, they alone are not enough. We’re projected to remain beyond safe levels for key Earth system processes – including climate, biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and land use – for decades to come.

Only a more ambitious and integrated approach, with bold, systemic policy choices across emissions, diets, food waste, and resource efficiencies, can meaningfully reduce environmental pressures and bring humanity closer to operating within safe boundary levels.

It’s a powerful reminder: if we want to – and we must – safeguard planetary resilience and ensure a safe and just future for all, we need to act across systems, not silos, and need a whole-Earth approach that recognises the inseparability of natural systems and well-being. It requires systems thinking, ambitious choices, and collective action.

This is exactly the kind of perspective we explore in the workshop.

What we explore during the workshop

During the workshops, we don’t just talk about the science – we connect it to long-term thinking, reflection and action. We explore what keeps our planet and ecosystems resilient and functioning, what we risk when we transgress planetary boundaries, and how, through collective and systemic action, we can respond and safeguard a safe and just future for all. We dive into important topics like:

  • Cathedral thinking: How big projects, like planting forests, rebuilding ecosystems, or reforming systems, can take generations. Those that take the first steps may not see the outcome, but future generations will.
  • Planetary stewardship: Shifting from exploiting nature to caring for it, because healthy forests, oceans, and soils are the foundation of our collective well-being.
  • Sufficiency: Acknowledging that endless growth on a finite planet is a dead end – and that it’s time to consider what’s enough, and collectively design thriving societies that live within Earth’s boundaries, for generations to come.

We believe that a safe and just future won’t build itself – but we can build it, together. If this resonates and sparks your curiosity, we invite you to experience this collaborative and engaging workshop firsthand.

Join a workshop or even become a facilitator

We invite you to join one of our upcoming engaging and participatory public sessions, or reach out if you would like to host one for your team or community. If you’ve already participated in a workshop, consider taking the next step: become a facilitator and join our growing global community!

The development of the workshop is a collaborative effort – so come be part of it. Help us spread the Planetary Boundaries Fresco and make it more accessible worldwide. The workshop is already available in Spanish, French, Chinese, Dutch, and German, with more languages coming soon!

Upcoming public workshops:
📅 Wednesday, 21 May | 18:00–21:30 CEST | Register here!
📅 Friday, 13 June | 9:30–13:00 CEST | Register here!

Upcoming public facilitation training sessions:
📅 Friday, 30 May | 10:00–13:00 CEST | Register here!
📅 Thursday, 19 June | 10:00–13:00 CEST | Register here!

📌 A few notes: You’ll need to attend a workshop before joining a training, but you’re welcome to sign up for both at the same time. Can’t make the listed dates? Just reach out – we’re happy to find an alternative that works. If any sessions are already full or closed, check our upcoming public workshops and training sessions on the info or events page. And if fees are a barrier, please get in touch – we’ll do our best to make it work.

Upcoming public Planetary Boundaries Fresco workshops and training sessions - May & June 2025 | Somewhat Greener

Want to dive deeper?

On our website, we feature a range of blogs, highlights, and pages that provide more context about the Planetary Boundaries Fresco workshop and our journey developing and facilitating it.

If you’re interested in exploring the science further, here are a few key recent reports and studies:

  • Exploring pathways for world development within planetary boundaries” by Detlef Van Vuuren et al. (2025). As mentioned earlier, this study is a scientific call to action – an invitation to integrate knowledge, policy, and public participation to navigate toward a safe operating space for humanity.
  • Stepping Back from the Precipice“, a special report on land by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16). This comprehensive report explores how to transforming land management to stay within planetary boundaries. We share some reflections here.
  • The “Planetary Health Check Report“, published by the Planetary Boundaries Science Initiative, offers the first-ever comprehensive health assessment of the planet we call home. It reveals that Earth’s life-support systems are weakening, and highlights the urgent need for systemic responses. Inspired by this report, we’ve created a short visual explainer on our website.

Let’s keep the conversation going

The Planetary Boundaries Fresco is more than a workshop – it’s a starting point for connection, reflection, and action. It creates space for conversations about the systemic changes needed to secure a safe and just future for all.

From classrooms to boardrooms, living rooms to large-scale events, we’ve facilitated interactive sessions in a wide variety of settings – both online and in person. These workshops have sparked meaningful dialogue across sectors, empowering participants to think critically about sustainability, systems thinking, and collective action.

Whether you’re organising a company event, conference session, or community gathering, we can tailor the experience to engage your group and inspire impactful conversations. With flexible formats and facilitation options, we’ll help bring planetary awareness into your organisation or space.

Get in touch – let’s create something meaningful together.

Let’s raise planetary awareness, connect the dots, and imagine a better way forward. Together. 🌍

Joy and Elise van Breda

Other highlights

Here are some of our latest highlights — if six are not enough, you can go back to our projects or events page or scroll through the entire news & events archive.