What are the "tipping points" in climate-driven ecosystem collapse?

The report identifies the near-irreversible die-off of the world's coral reefs and the risk of the Amazon rainforest collapsing as the first "tipping points" in climate-driven ecosystem collapse.

How much warming can the Amazon rainforest withstand before collapsing?

The report revised down the estimated threshold for the Amazon rainforest, warning that it is now at risk of collapsing once the average global temperature warms beyond just 1.5°C.

What is the threat to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)?

The report expressed concern about the potential disruption to the AMOC, a major ocean current that helps ensure mild winters in northern Europe, if temperatures keep rising.

Home / Environment / Coral Reefs in Peril as Climate Change Triggers Ecosystem Collapse

Coral Reefs in Peril as Climate Change Triggers Ecosystem Collapse

13 Oct

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Summary

Global warming crossing dangerous thresholds sooner than expected
World's coral reefs now in an almost irreversible die-off
Amazon rainforest at risk of collapsing beyond 1.5°C warming

Coral Reefs in Peril as Climate Change Triggers Ecosystem Collapse

According to a new report by 160 researchers worldwide, global warming is crossing dangerous thresholds sooner than expected, marking the first "tipping points" in climate-driven ecosystem collapse. The report, titled the "Global Tipping Points," synthesizes groundbreaking science to estimate points of no return for various climate systems.

One of the most alarming findings is the near-irreversible die-off of the world's coral reefs. The last two years were Earth's warmest on record, with marine heatwaves stressing 84% of the world's reefs to the point of bleaching and, in some cases, death. Coral reefs sustain about a quarter of marine life, and scientists say they would need to drastically ramp up climate action to reverse temperatures back down to just 1°C above the preindustrial average for the reefs to recover.