In climate research, tipping elements are parts of the Earth system that, when changes occur in the climate system, can reach a point ("tipping point") at which they are pushed into a qualitatively new state. Climate tipping points are therefore thresholds in the climate system whose crossing triggers drastic changes. (Temperature) changes are bringing us ever closer to these points. Once a tipping point has been reached, reversal is nearly impossible. Well-known tipping elements include, for example, the melting of ice sheets, the die-off of the Amazon rainforest, or the collapse of the Atlantic overturning circulation. When the first tipping points are reached, a domino effect can occur, triggering further tipping points. To prevent all of this, it's crucial to limit climate change now and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Fortunately, there are also positive tipping points in society and technology that can make the transformation to a more sustainable world easier for us. One example is the energy transition: once renewable energies are cheaper than fossil fuels, their use grows automatically. Further positive tipping points could be triggered, for example, in electric mobility or in the circular economy.
Detailed information can be found in the sources listed below.
You can read more about the energy transition in Knowledge Snack #4.
