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arXiv · 2403.11680

Multiscale Orientation Values for Biodiversity, Climate and Water: A Scientific Input for Science- Based Targets

Viktoras Kulionis·Andreas Froemelt·Stephan Pfister
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Abstract

In this study, we explore a range of options and outcomes associated with using different allocation approaches to operationalise the Planetary Boundaries (PB) framework at the country, sector, and city scales. We demonstrate: (i) how to translate the PB framework into various sub-global scales (countries, cities, industries); and (ii) how to take global/local aspects (e.g., water use at the watershed level) into account. Finally, we apply the proposed methodology to derive country, city, and sector-specific budgets consistent with the PB concept for Switzerland. We then benchmark the translated PBs for climate, biodiversity, and freshwater use against actual environmental pressures in Switzerland from both production- and consumption-based perspectives. This effectively enables us to provide a comprehensive assessment of whether Switzerland is living within its safe operating space.

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Viktoras Kulionis, Andreas Froemelt, Stephan Pfister. 2024-03-18. Multiscale Orientation Values for Biodiversity, Climate and Water: A Scientific Input for Science- Based Targets. https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.11680

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