Who, What, Why

Before I delve into the science, I shall contextualise the PBs concept's development. Within sociology of science, feminist epistemology challenges the objectivity of the scientific method with the situated knower argument: claims of knowledge reflect the situation (the time and space, for example) and perspective of the knower.

(She's situated in October 3rd.)

So I trace back to the "knower".

PBs are primarily championed by the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC), where Rockström works as executive director. The SRC is a non-profit, independent research institute focusing on "sustainability science for biosphere stewardship in the Anthropocene". They believe that:

1. the biosphere is critical to human and social development, 
2. humanity is part of the biosphere by depending on ecosystem services and transforming its structure and functioning at unprecedented speeds, and 
3. we have entered the globalised phase of environmental change. 

Scientists at the SRC are not the only ones who believe that the Earth has entered a new epoch, where humanity is shaping the entire biosphere. Many scientists are trying to formally declare the Anthropocene as a recognised subdivision of geological time. On this new trajectory, characterised by global changes in climate, ecosystems, and various other biosphere features, we are now in the driving seat for navigating our future. 

It is now wise to keep human activities in check. SRC's research attempts to find out how.

According to the SRC, "One of the most significant attempts to provide scientific guidelines for improved stewardship of the planet is the PBs concept." In the next few post, I shall explore these guidelines.