Introduction of Novel Entities
Boundary Breached
The introduction of novel entities includes synthetic chemicals and substances (e.g. microplastics, endocrine disruptors, organic pollutants), anthropogenically mobilized radioactive materials (e.g. nuclear waste, nuclear weapons), and human interventions in evolutionary processes, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other direct modifications of evolution. Currently, the amount of synthetic substances released into the environment without adequate testing is above the safe level.
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Importance
Human-produced materials can cause biodiversity loss and the contamination of precious habitats. By releasing them into the environment in large quantities, we are endangering the continued functioning of the Earth in ways that we may not even be able to anticipate until it is too late. They also harm us directly: microplastics have now been found in our blood streams, in breast milk and at the bottom of the ocean. Forever chemicals (PFAS) are found in the food we eat and clothing we wear.
Impacts
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The introduction of novel entities can disrupt critical Earth system processes. For instance, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have notably damaged the ozone layer, fluorinated gasses contribute to climate change by trapping heat, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are involved in aerosol formation, which impacts air quality.
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These novel entities also harm ecosystems by affecting the health and functioning of various species. Pesticides, for example, have caused significant declines in insect and pollinator populations. Persistent organic pollutants like PAHs, which come from sources such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities, along with microplastics, inflict physical harm and toxic effects on marine and terrestrial life.
Control Variables
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The rise of Novel Entities
The percentage of synthetic chemicals released into the environment without adequate safety testing is a critical measure of regulatory oversight and our understanding of chemical risks. It is essential for managing potential environmental and health impacts. Chemical production has steadily increased from 2000 to 2017, raising concerns about environmental contamination and public health. Novel entities, such as plastics, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and antibiotics, contribute to pollution, bioaccumulation, ecosystem disruption, antibiotic resistance, and health issues like cancer and hormonal imbalances. With tens of thousands of man-made chemicals in the world, most of which have not been studied for safety, the risks are significant.
Key Drivers
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The underlying causes for the breaching of this Boundary include the rapid increase in chemical production (both in volume and diversity) since the mid-20th century. For example, in the U.S., “over 80,000 chemicals have been registered for use since the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted in 1976, yet the majority have not undergone regulatory testing.” According to Persson et al., 2022, “the rapid increase in the production and release of large volumes and diverse types of novel entities exceeds society’s capacity to conduct safety assessments and monitoring.”
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There are several additional causes for the breaching of this Boundary. The persistent and bioaccumulative nature of some chemicals pose widespread and long-term risks. High production volumes and releases of non-persistent chemicals effectively become "pseudo-persistent." Additionally, insufficient institutional capacity for chemical testing, including research into new toxicological pathways and effects, leads to a lack of monitoring of production rates of both existing and new chemicals. Finally, limited capacity to translate testing information into effective regulatory controls results in weak enforcement of existing regulations.
Connected Tipping Points
If the status of this Planetary Boundary continues to deteriorate, it will push many tipping elements toward tipping, including:
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The death of warm-water coral reefs and seagrass
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Collapse of fisheries
Read more about other Boundaries
Planetary Boundary process inside Earth's safe operating space
Planetary Boundary process outside Earth's safe operating space
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