Phys.org December 17, 2024
Human-induced climate change, and other human activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean region are leading to several potential interacting tipping points with major and irreversible consequences. An international team of researchers (UK, Australia) examined eight potential physical, biological, chemical, and social Antarctic tipping points – Ice sheets, Ocean acidification, Ocean circulation, Species redistribution, Invasive species, Permafrost melting, Local pollution, and the Antarctic Treaty System. They discussed the nature of each potential tipping point, its control variables, thresholds, timescales, and impacts, and focused on the potential for cumulative and cascading effects because of their interactions. Their analysis provided substantial evidence of the need for more concerted and rapid action to limit climate change and to minimize the impacts of local human activities to avoid these cascading tipping points… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
This figure shows the relationship between the two physical…tipping points in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (A&SO). Credit: Ambio, 10 December 2024Â