Weather Insdier: Global tipping points

There are countless environmental systems across the globe, in the air, on land, and in the seas. All these systems are interconnected and, if changed too drastically, they can have wide-ranging consequences on both people and the planet. This is something scientists monitor very closely as the planet warms. Global warming is forcing some of these systems to the limits, approaching a tipping point. Once these thresholds are crossed, various systems could be irreversibly pushed into a new state.

A recent report has found that one of these systems, global coral reefs, has likely already been pushed over its tipping point. Coral reefs are an extremely crucial ecosystem! They are home to countless species of fish, they serve as a buffer from incoming storms, and they can generate significant economic impact thanks to tourism and fishing.

As global ocean waters continue to warm, the algae that make up corals can become stressed, leading to mass bleaching and die-offs. The report found that about 80% of the Earth's coral reefs have been affected. Due to the aforementioned importance of coral reefs, the collapse of these ecosystems could be utterly devastating for nearby regions.

Coral reefs are only one of many tipping points scientists are concerned about. Scientists are also closely monitoring ocean circulations in the Atlantic, melting ice sheets, die-backs in tropical rainforests like the Amazon, and others. As the planet continues to warm, we run the risk of irreversibly changing several environmental systems across the planet.

To read the full report, click HERE.