Climate Collapse Could Happen Fast

Climate Collapse Could Happen Fast  The Atlantic

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Jul 20, 2023 - 23:30
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Climate Collapse Could Happen Fast

Climate Collapse Could Happen Fast

Accelerating Impacts of Climate Change

Predictions and Acceleration

Since the 1970s, projections of climate change have been remarkably accurate in predicting the rate of global temperature rise. However, the impacts of climate change are now accelerating at a faster pace than expected, according to David Armstrong McKay, a climate scientist at the University of Exeter. The consequences of climate change, such as extreme heatwaves and intense rainfall, are becoming more visible and occurring more frequently.

Tipping Points and Unknown Consequences

There is growing concern among climate scientists that the Earth may be approaching tipping points, where incremental changes could lead to abrupt and irreversible transformations in Earth’s systems. Passing these thresholds could result in the rapid loss of permafrost and coral reefs. However, the exact timing and speed of these tipping points remain uncertain.

The Fate of the Thwaites Glacier

The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is a significant example of a natural system that could undergo irreversible change. As warm water eats away at the glacier’s ice shelf, deep cracks are forming. Once these cracks progress to a certain point, the collapse of the glacier becomes inevitable. This collapse will contribute to rising sea levels and impact millions of people.

Interactions and Complex Systems

Some tipping points, such as the loss of mountain glaciers in South America or changes in the West African monsoon, can interact and worsen each other’s effects. For example, as glacial fresh water enters the ocean from Greenland’s glaciers, it weakens an important current system called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. This weakening can have far-reaching consequences, including changes in global weather patterns and crop yields.

Potential Catastrophes and Loss of Solutions

A study titled “Climate End Game” outlined potential catastrophes that could occur due to a tipping cascade, leading to the unraveling of societies worldwide. The severity of the climate crisis may reach a point where it becomes challenging to work together to find solutions. Additionally, measures to mitigate climate change, such as reducing sulfate aerosol particles, may unintentionally contribute to further warming.

Climate-Related Disasters and Urgency for Action

Even before reaching critical tipping points, there may be a significant increase in climate-related disasters. Scientists emphasize the importance of limiting emissions to prevent further changes. Every effort to reduce even a small fraction of temperature increase can make a substantial difference in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Conclusion

The accelerating impacts of climate change and the potential for tipping points highlight the urgency of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action. It is crucial to limit emissions and work towards sustainable solutions to avoid irreversible changes in Earth’s systems.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

  1. SDG 13: Climate Action

    • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
    • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
    • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
    • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
    • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states, including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities

    The article discusses the accelerating impacts of climate change and the potential tipping points that could lead to irreversible changes. It highlights the need for resilience, adaptation, and mitigation measures to address climate-related hazards and disasters. It also mentions the importance of integrating climate change measures into national policies, improving education and awareness, and mobilizing financial resources to support developing countries.

  2. SDG 15: Life on Land

    • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
    • Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
    • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

    The article mentions the potential loss of the world’s coral reefs due to global warming’s effects. This highlights the need for conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, as well as the protection of biodiversity and threatened species.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
  • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
  • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
  • Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states, including focusing on women, youth, and local and marginalized communities
 No specific indicators mentioned in the article.
SDG 15: Life on Land
  • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
  • Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
  • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
 No specific indicators mentioned in the article.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: theatlantic.com

 

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