Oh, remember those climate science tipping points?

You know the world is in a bad spot when the Weather Channel is finally reporting how we're on the verge.

Earth Is Approaching Dangerous, Irreversible Climate Tipping Points, Scientists Warn

Story by Jennifer Gray

A new study published in the European Geosciences Union paints a remarkably grim picture. It highlights threats such as the collapse of the Greenland Ice Sheet, dieback of rainforests and rapid thawing of permafrost. These changes would severely impact human well-being and global stability.  

Key Tipping Points to Watch

• Permafrost Thaw: Permafrost, covering vast areas in the Arctic, holds large amounts of carbon in frozen organic matter. As temperatures rise, permafrost begins to thaw, releasing greenhouse gases like methane into the atmosphere. This release accelerates warming in a dangerous feedback loop. If significant portions thaw, billions of tons of carbon could enter the atmosphere, further fueling Earth’s warming.
• Greenland Ice Sheet Melting: If it melts significantly, it could raise global sea levels by several feet. The melting of this ice sheet is triggered by rising global temperatures, and once it reaches a certain threshold, it could begin to melt much faster. This would lead to widespread coastal flooding, threatening millions of people who live near sea level.
• Amazon Rainforest Dieback: The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide. However, increasing deforestation and climate change are pushing the Amazon toward a tipping point. If temperatures rise too high or deforestation continues at its current pace, the rainforest could begin to die back, releasing stored carbon and turning from a carbon sink into a carbon source. This would significantly amplify global warming.
• Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation: The AMOC is a vital ocean current that helps regulate global climate. If the AMOC slows or collapses due to rising temperatures and melting ice, it could lead to more extreme weather patterns in Europe, Africa and the Americas. A collapse of the AMOC would severely impacting agriculture and ecosystems.