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Climate change threatens massive changes in our world – the Amazon rainforest is shrinking, the ice in Antarctica is melting, the Atlantic is changing its current.
In this context, researchers also speak of climate tipping points. These mark critical thresholds that can no longer be reversed due to climatic changes.
The consequences of crossing a tipping point are unstoppable climate changes. KIT researchers describe what this means in concrete terms using three examples.
Climate tipping points are critical thresholds in the climate system, if exceeded, abrupt and potentially irreversible changes can occur. Photo Md. Hasanuzzaman Himel via Unsplash
Climate tipping points: Critical thresholds in the climate system
Climate tipping points are critical thresholds in the climate system, when exceeded, abrupt and potentially irreversible changes can occur that transform the climate into a new state.
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These could have catastrophic effects on ecosystems, economies and human societies, for example by accelerating the melting of ice sheets or increasing greenhouse gas emissions from permafrost.
Understanding and monitoring these tipping points is crucial to avoid drastic consequences of climate change and to develop appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures.