A new study published in Nature Communications warns that major Earth systems important for stabilizing the climate are at risk of collapsing this century.
Specifically, the Atlantic Ocean’s warming ocean currents, the Amazon rainforest, polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica face at least a 45% chance of collapsing by 2100 even if warming is limited to 1.5C.
The study modeled different climate policies and carbon emission rates and found the risk of collapse remains high without urgently reducing emissions to net zero.
Collapse of these “tipping elements” could have severe consequences like turning parts of Europe as cold as the Arctic and worsen effects of climate change.
The scientists call for carbon emissions to reach zero as soon as possible to avoid crossings dangerous thresholds and triggering irreversible collapse of Earth systems upon which human civilization depends.
While some technologies like renewable energy and carbon capture offer hope, the risks highlighted emphasize the need for bolder domestic and international action to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: Futurism
