Planetary Boundaries in Practice
From science to strategy. Operationalise the limits that define our future. Learn to set science-based targets and align operations with thresholds.
The planetary boundaries framework is one of the most influential scientific models of the 21st century. But most organisations don't know how to use it. It's seen as abstract, academic—or someone else's responsibility. This module changes that. It gives you the tools, language, and real-world methods to operationalise Earth system science inside your organisation.
ACCESS
12 month access to course material
TIME COMMITMENT
5-7 hours per week
ASSESSMENT
Quizzes + final assignment
INVESTMENT
£2,000 + VAT per employee | £1,500 + VAT for self-funded individuals
Contact us for bulk discounts
Why It Matters
Planetary boundaries define the safe operating space for humanity. They are not environmental 'nice-to-haves'—they are strategic constraints. Businesses that fail to respect them risk stranded assets, regulatory backlash, and eroded social licence. Those that adapt early can reshape markets.
What You'll Learn
This module brings the science into the boardroom. You'll learn how to translate nine global boundaries into meaningful decisions about resource use, business models, and stakeholder engagement—without oversimplifying complexity.
Core Concepts
- The nine planetary boundaries and how they interconnect
- Spatial thresholds and how they differ from global averages
- Translating biophysical limits into KPIs and decision frameworks
- How to build internal fluency around boundary-based decision-making
- The difference between local, regional and global boundary considerations
Advanced Frameworks
- How to set strategies aligned with Earth's carrying capacity
- Methods for materiality assessment using boundary science
- Communicating boundaries to diverse stakeholders
- Innovation pathways within planetary constraints
- Case studies of boundary-aligned business models
Who It's For
Strategists, CSOs, policymakers, and innovators who want to:
- Move beyond generic ESG metrics to science-based thresholds
- Translate Earth system science into decisions about growth, sourcing, and risk
- Develop boundary-aligned strategies and innovation pathways
- Navigate trade-offs between different boundary pressures
- Lead organisational change grounded in biophysical reality
Outcomes
Practical Framework
A practical framework for evaluating impacts and dependencies
Strategic Clarity
Clear lines between compliance, leadership, and overreach
Decision Tools
Methods to integrate boundaries into investment and R&D decisions
Confident Advocacy
The confidence to advocate for limits—and unlock opportunity within them
Not all boundaries are barriers. Some are blueprints.
Applied Learning
Each module includes real-world case applications. For this programme, we examine how a Wide Open World, a luxury fashion company, has operationalised the planetary boundaries using the APres model. We also review the case of a food multinational which redesigned its agricultural sourcing strategy using planetary boundaries—reducing its biosphere pressure while improving resilience.
Ready to operationalise planetary boundaries?
Join our next cohort and gain the frameworks to align your organisation's strategy with Earth's limits.
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