Scientists warn of irreversible climate tipping points

Scientists warn that climate change could trigger irreversible tipping points in Earth's natural systems, including coral reef die-offs, permafrost thawing, and ice sheet collapses.

Raymond Zhong and Mira Rojanasakul report for The New York Times.

In short:

Rising temperatures threaten mass coral bleaching and death, with up to 99% of reefs at risk, disrupting marine ecosystems.
Melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica could raise sea levels significantly, affecting global ocean currents and weather patterns.
The loss of the Amazon rainforest and Atlantic currents could have severe consequences on global biodiversity and climate stability.

Key quote:

“With every gram of additional CO2 in the atmosphere, we are increasing the likelihood of tipping events.”

— Niklas Boers, climate scientist at the Technical University of Munich and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Why this matters:

Reaching climate tipping points could lead to irreversible changes, severely affecting global ecosystems, economies, and communities. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for sustaining life and stability on Earth.

www.nytimes.com

Scientists warn of irreversible climate tipping points

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