For me it is about are we past the tipping point and if not, if all desired changes took effect immediately, how long would it take to return the planet to a less destructive pattern, Centuries?
Global warming and climate change are indeed critical issues. Here are some thoughts based on recent research and expert opinions:
### Tipping Points
A **tipping point** is a threshold beyond which small changes can lead to significant and often irreversible impacts on the climate system. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), tipping points could be reached between **1°C and 2°C** of warming¹. Some key tipping points include:
- **Greenland Ice Sheet**: Its melting could raise global sea levels by over 20 feet¹.
- **West Antarctic Ice Sheet**: Similar to Greenland, its disintegration could significantly impact sea levels¹.
### Are We Past the Tipping Point?
While it is challenging to pinpoint exact tipping points, many scientists believe we are alarmingly close to them¹. The world is currently on track to surpass the **1.5°C** warming limit, which could trigger irreversible changes².
### Time to Reverse Global Warming Effects
If all desired changes took effect immediately, it would still take a long time to reverse the effects of global warming. Here are some key points:
- **Immediate Impact**: Even if we stopped all emissions today, Earth's temperature would continue to rise for a few decades due to the heat already stored in the oceans5.
- **Long-Term Impact**: It could take **centuries** for global temperatures to return to pre-industrial levels. Natural processes, such as the absorption of CO2 by oceans, are slow and could take many centuries to significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels6.
In summary, while immediate and drastic actions can slow down the rate of global warming, reversing its effects entirely would take a very long time, potentially centuries. However, it is never too late to take action, as every effort to reduce emissions can help mitigate the worst impacts of climate change5.
¹: How Close Are We to Climate Tipping Points?
²: Once we pass 1.5°C of global warming, there is no going back
5: Can we slow or even reverse global warming?
6: How long will it take temperatures to stop rising, or return to ‘normal,’ if we stop emitting greenhouse gases?
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 10/9/2024
(1) How Close Are We to Climate Tipping Points? - State of the Planet. news.climate.columbia.edu.
(2) Once we pass 1.5°C of global warming, there is no going back. newscientist.com.
(3) Can we slow or even reverse global warming? | NOAA Climate.gov. climate.gov.
(4) How long will it take temperatures to stop rising, or return to ‘normal .... climate.mit.edu.
(5) Climate Tipping Points - Center for Science Education. scied.ucar.edu.
(6) How Close Are We to Climate Tipping Points?. lamont.columbia.edu.
(7) Climate Scientists to World: We Have Only 20 Years Before There’s No .... nrdc.org.
(8) Only 11 Years Left to Prevent Irreversible Damage from Climate Change .... press.un.org.
(9) Earth could cross the global warming threshold as soon as 2027. weforum.org.
(10) Getty. media.gettyimages.com. |
