Planetary Boundaries Fresco
You’ve heard of Climate Change, But What About the Bigger Picture?
The Planetary Boundaries Fresco is an interactive workshop that explores how Earth’s systems, from water and climate to land use and biodiversity, are deeply connected. When one boundary is pushed, others follow.
Based on the science of the Stockholm Resilience Centre and the Potsdam Institute, this workshop maps our planet’s “safe operating space”, and what happens when human activity crosses those limits.
It’s co-creative, emotionally resonant and surprisingly eye-opening. Whether you’re a student, a sustainability lead or just climate-curious, this session helps make sense of complexity and sparks new ways to act, together.
How the Workshop Flows
1. Build the Fresco
Assemble the nine planetary boundaries with 42 illustrated cards.
2. Sense Making & Reflection
Guided conversation on what stands out.
3. System Insight
Deep dive into concepts like safe operating space and planetary stewardship.
4. Action & Outcomes
Map personal, organisational and systemic actions. Define meaningful next steps.
5. Debrief & Next Steps
Share feedback, access resources and explore facilitator training opportunities.
What You’ll Get Out Of It
See the Whole Picture
Discover how Earth’s systems like climate, biodiversity, water, land are all connected.
Think in Systems
Learn how to shift from isolated problems to interconnected patterns.
Make It Local
Understand why urban India is directly affected and what can be done.
Connect and Reflect
Make space for your questions, emotions, and perspective.
Build Useful Skills
These are tools for community work, leadership and making better choices, not just climate work.
Stay Involved
Join a growing network, host a session, or train to facilitate.
Why It Matters
Traditional approaches to climate action can feel siloed or remote. This workshop helps connect the dots across boundaries. How does land use, water, chemicals and biodiversity all interact and how can the solutions be systemic. most of us have never been taught how it all fits together. We hear about deforestation or ocean acidification in isolation — not as parts of a shared system. The Planetary Boundaries Fresco helps you connect the dots, understand the science in human terms, and see how our cities, economies, and daily choices are part of that larger system.
It’s not about blaming individuals. It’s about giving people the tools to make sense of complexity and then explore where they can act. That might mean rethinking how we consume. Or asking different questions at work. Or pushing for change in local policy or urban design. It might even mean just being able to talk about climate and sustainability without freezing or shutting down.
In urban India, where heatwaves, water shortages, and air pollution are daily realities, the Planetary Boundaries framework helps make environmental science feel local and urgent. It brings people into the story as participants, not just observers.
FAQs
What are “Planetary Boundaries”?
They are nine Earth system processes identified by scientists at the Stockholm Resilience Centre that keep our planet stable. For example, climate regulation, biodiversity, ocean chemistry and land use. When we cross these boundaries, we risk destabilizing the conditions that support life as we know it.
Do I need to know science to join?
Not at all. This workshop is designed for everyone, no matter your background. Whether you’re an engineer, a teacher, a designer or just curious about the environment, you’ll be guided every step of the way. All you need is a willingness to explore and reflect.
Can it be done online?
Yes! We offer fully facilitated online sessions using interactive tools. You’ll work in small groups, co-create the fresco in real time and have just as meaningful a conversation as in person.
How long does a workshop take?
Typically around 3 to 3.5 hours, including time to build the fresco, reflect and explore next steps. It’s immersive and we promise the time flies by.
What group size is best?
Up to 14 participants per trained facilitator. Larger audiences simply split into multiple tables or breakout rooms.
Who runs these workshops?
All sessions are run by trained facilitators who have completed the workshop and chosen to help others learn. Climate Undone offers these as part of our mission to make science-backed climate education accessible across India.
Attribution
Based on the science-backed framework by the Stockholm Resilience Centre and Potsdam Institute (Johan Rockström et al.), and developed since 2022 by Arthur de Lassus, Elise & Joy van Breda, and global volunteers. Climate Undone facilitates sessions transparently under this lineage.
Visit the 1erfegre.earth website
Ready to Join
Be part of a growing community rethinking climate and sustainability through grounded, participatory tools.
