Scientists exploring the histories of planets and life are uniquely positioned to communicate a perspective that is fundamental to our survival: humanity is wholly embedded in Earth and its biosphere. There is no escaping our planet and its history. Only policies that build on this perspective will contribute to a flourishing future for humanity. We offer a few brief glimpses of this cosmic perspective and call on our colleagues to acknowledge the powerful stories emanating from their work.

Fast, self-propelling positive synergies between improvements in social and biophysical systems' conditions are necessary to ensure a safe and just world for possibly 10 billion people by 2050. A regenerative view of human–environmental interactions in science, policy, education, and across many individual and organisational practices can contribute to achieving such a future – a global net-positive tipping point for people and the planet.