Boundary Conditions for Organizations in the Anthropocene: A Review of the Planetary Boundaries Framework 10 Years On

Abstract

We systematically review business research concerning the planetary boundaries framework: A natural science framework that identifies nine Earth system boundaries that govern the safe operating space for humanity. Ten years after the introduction of the planetary boundaries in business studies, we pose two critical questions: How has the planetary boundaries concept been integrated into business studies and how has research on each of the nine boundaries advanced? Our review demonstrates growing scholarly interest in both questions. However, the topic remains niche with critical gaps, with most studies published in sustainability-focused journals and only occasionally in mainstream journals. Theoretical development remains fragmented and of greater concern, a systems perspective is lacking in empirical studies: Most articles focus solely on one issue – climate change – and there is almost no cross-analysis between boundaries. We contrast this with evidence that the planetary pressures of the Anthropocene are approaching dangerous thresholds and make the provocative assertion that planetary boundaries are not simply the foundation for specialized research on corporate sustainability but rather are the necessary boundary conditions for all business studies in the Anthropocene. We call for a transformation in how business scholars theorize, measure and engage.