This year, Earth has arguably reached its first climate tipping point. A report was issued and signed by 160 scientists from 23 countries, revealing that previously considered distant changes are now occurring sooner than expected. The study indicates that coral reefs, which are fundamental ecosystems for marine life and coastal protection, have already crossed a critical threshold.
Climate tipping points are no longer projections and are now part of reality
For many years, so-called “climate tipping points” were treated as distant warnings of critical future possibilities, from which there is no possibility of reversal. What even many scientists failed to consider is that they have now become a worrying reality.
The Global Tipping Points report from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom shows that ocean warming, combined with pollution and overfishing, has pushed corals to a state os near-irreversible collapse. About 80% of the world’s reefs have already experienced bleaching events and mass die-offs.
Scientist Tim Lentom of the University of Exeter, who led the study, sums up the situation: “Change is happening fast now, tragically, in parts of the climate and biosphere.”
According to him, the planet is on track to exceed 1.5ยฐC of warming compared to the pre-industrial period i the next five years, a rate that will put other parts of the Earth’s system at risk.
Rising temperatures intensify droughts, storms, and global food insecurity
Among the various possible climate consequences of this temperature rise are prolonged droughts, more intense storms, and increasing difficulties in food production and access to water.
Besides coral reefs, other ecosystems are also approaching a tipping point. The Amazon rainforest, for example, considered the “lungs of the world,” could increasingly lose its ability to absorb carbon and suffer droughts if temperatures continue to rise. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Ocean Circulation, which helps balance the global climate, is at risk of collapse with just 2ยฐC of warming, something that could alter rainfall patterns and cause severe winters in Europe.
Impact goes beyond science and affects millions of people
The impacts aren’t limited to nature and other animals/living beings; humans will gradually experience the consequences of climate change as well. The loss of reefs directly threatens coastal communities, which depend on them for fishing and tourism, and also reduces natural protection against storms and sea level rise. The degradation of the Amazon threatens the climate balance of South America, potentially affecting rainfall and agriculture throughout the region.
And what’s perhaps most alarming is that these changes are happening faster than expected. Reports from the UN and the European Union indicate that the Earth has already warmed up between 1.3ยฐC and 1.4ยฐC. The last two years were the hottest in recorded history, and marine heatwaves have affected 84% of the planet’s reefs.
Urgent action at COP30: reversing damage through global commitment and restoration
Scientists say that limiting global warming to about 1ยฐC above pre-industrial levels would be ideal to reverse some of the damage. This would require drastic cuts in emissions and investments directed towards environmental restoration. This topic will be at the center of discussions at COP30, which will be held in Brazil in November of this year.
Lenton and his team emphasize that there is still room for action. “Nobody wants to be just traumatized and disempowered; we still have some agency,” he said.
The report’s objective is to convey a clear message: climate tipping points are advancing faster than expected, but there is still time to address the causes. It is up to governments and companies with high impacts and emissions to adapt and ensure a more sustainable future with low impact as quickly as possible.