UW-Madison Scientist Joins New Report In Warning About Global Dangers

A University of Wisconsin-Madison scientist is part of an international team raising concerns about the changing planet.

A published report released this week said that four of nine boundaries that protect human health have been crossed by climate change, phosphorus and nitrogen runoff and species extinction.

Steve Carpenter, a UW Limnology Center director, said he believes the report is a warning.

“It’s an indication that … we’ve gone too far in this direction, and if we keep going we’re going to get into some serious danger,” he said.

Carpenter said nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, particularly from farms, is worse in some areas than others. But, he said some parts of the globe need more of those nutrients in order to feed more people.

The report will be taken up at next week’s World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

Carpenter said that he sees “no alternative to optimism” that private sector and government leaders can improve the planet through.