TURNING PLANETARY DATA INTO CLIMATE ACTION

What was the challenge?

The Global Commons Alliance (GCA) is leading the charge in protecting the Earth's most vital resources—our global commons—which include the atmosphere, oceans, forests, and biodiversity. But they’re not just focusing on climate change; GCA is tackling the broader planetary emergency by focusing on planetary boundaries. This framework, developed by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), defines the safe operating limits for Earth’s systems. Crossing these boundaries increases the risk of destabilising the planet’s environment, pushing it toward irreversible damage.

The stark reality is that six out of the nine planetary boundaries have already been breached, meaning we’re living in dangerous territory. GCA knew the urgency of the crisis but needed to communicate it in a way that sparked action and made the science accessible to a wider audience.

This project came to life through the incredible efforts of a diverse group of collaborators. Virgin Unite played a key role in championing the initiative, while GCA worked hand-in-hand with the PIK to embed the critical science behind the platform. They were joined by contributors like Globaia, the Earth Commission, Mongabay, and 89up, who brought their expertise in data visualisation, storytelling, and public engagement to the table.

By combining the best in science, design, and communication, GCA and its partners created a platform that doesn’t just inform—it inspires action, helping people turn awareness into meaningful change.

In 2021, GCA launched Earth HQ, a platform we built and designed to present real-time environmental data. But they knew that presenting the data wasn’t enough. They needed to reach more people, connect with them on a deeper level, and offer clear, actionable steps. That’s why they turned to us again to develop the Planetary Health Check platform, expanding on Earth HQ’s foundation to drive even greater awareness and impact.

The challenge GCA faced was clear:

• Make complex science simple: Break down the planetary boundaries framework so that anyone could understand it.

• Reach broader audiences: Connect with people who may not be aware of planetary health but need to understand its urgency.

• Inspire real action: Move people from awareness to concrete action that can help reverse environmental damage.

• Humanise the data: Tie the science to real-world stories that make the data relatable and impactful​

And that’s where the 3 Sided Cube crew came in. We understood that this software solution needed to go beyond simply sharing data. It had to bring the science to life in a way that truly connects with people, motivating them to not only understand the challenges but feel empowered to do something about them.

What was the solution?

We worked closely with GCA to deliver a platform that brings the science to life while providing real-world solutions to the planetary crisis. The Planetary Health Check website wasn’t just about presenting data; it was about building an interactive, engaging experience that connects users to the health of the planet in a way that compels them to act.

We designed and built the platform with cutting-edge features that engage audiences while maintaining scientific integrity. Key elements include:

• A fully interactive and up-to-date spider diagram where users can explore the state of planetary boundaries—like climate change and biodiversity loss. The data is visually compelling and makes it easy for users to understand where action is needed most.

• A dynamic news ticker pulling stories from Mongabay, with updates on extreme weather events and environmental crises, keeping users informed of urgent global developments.

• Spider diagrams showing which planetary boundaries have been crossed and the steps needed to return to safer limits.

• A flexible content management system (CMS) that empowers GCA to easily manage content, add new data, and keep the platform fresh and relevant as environmental situations evolve.

Our focus was not only on functionality but also on empowering GCA to tell the story of our planet in a way that engages people from all walks of life. By merging data with storytelling, we ensured the platform could speak to scientists, policymakers, and everyday people alike—making it easier for anyone to understand the urgency of the situation and get involved.

WHAT DOES THE PLATFORM DO?

The Planetary Health Check platform is more than just a data dashboard. It’s designed to inspire, educate, and empower users to take meaningful action. Here’s what it does:

What were the results?

The launch of the Planetary Health Check platform during Climate Week in New York was met with an incredible reception. In the first week alone, the platform attracted visitors from 88 countries, racking up over 3,600 sessions and 6,300 page views. The global reach showed just how many people were eager to engage with the state of the planet’s health.

One of the pinch me achievements was the interest in the Planetary Health Check report, with 596 downloads across the full report and executive summary. What’s even more impressive is that, thanks to coverage from partners like PIK and several media outlets, the report has been viewed an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 times!

The platform’s ability to reach such a wide and diverse audience, while providing clear, actionable insights, just shows its potential to drive real change. The Planetary Health Check is already proving to be a key resource for decision-makers, activists, and the public, helping to raise awareness and inspire action for our planet’s future.

Stay tuned for what’s to come from this world-changing product!