What elements threaten to accelerate climate change?
If temperatures continue to rise, we could hit critical thresholds that significantly accelerate climate change. In climate research, these critical thresholds are called tipping points. They are a part of the global climate system. Passing even just a few tipping points will have extensive environmental impacts that jeopardize the basis of life for many people, animals, and plants. Such an event could also trigger a chain reaction, where the passing of one tipping point leads to further tipping points being passed. Scientists refer to this as a feedback process.
Many processes related to the tipping points have not been sufficiently researched yet. As a result, it is also difficult to estimate when and to what extent tipping elements will occur. Nevertheless, it is important for climate research to define them. Aided by climate models, scientists are able to calculate different scenarios, providing them with guidance on where they should focus their research in the future.
Learn more about the most important tipping points in our series
Tipping points in the climate system
Tipping points in the climate system
The more global temperatures rise, the greater the danger that individual elements of the climate system could tip. What tipping points are we currently heading toward? What would that mean for life on Earth? And what can we do about it?
The danger of climate tipping points – even below 2 degrees
The risk of passing dangerous tipping points in the climate system rises with every tenth of a degree of global warming. Climate change threatens ecosystems, vital natural cycles and the well-being of future generations. What path are we on, and why is it so important to strive for ambitious climate targets?
What parts of the climate system could tip over 2 °C?
Climate change could cause massive changes to the Earth system. Precisely when critical tipping points will be reached is difficult to predict – but with rising temperatures, we can expect increasingly uncontrollable consequences. What will happen if we fail to achieve the 2 °C climate target of the Paris Agreement?
