Why ClimTip?
Our planet could be on the brink of large-scale climate tipping points due to man-made climate change and damaging human activities. How close are we to crossing these tipping points in climate system? What would be their impacts on climate, ecosystems, and society? Answers to these questions are riddled with significant uncertainties.
Recognizing the potential irreversible consequences and widespread impacts and following the precautionary principle, ClimTip is dedicated to thoroughly explore the underlying mechanisms and associated risks.
Better understanding of potential Earth system Tipping Elements is crucial. Analyzing data from different sources, including historical climate records and advanced computer models, ClimTip sets out to identify and characterize tipping points focusing on the Amazon rainforest, the Atlantic overturning circulation, and the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets.
We envision developing an early warning system for potential shifts in climate and ecosystems by improving Earth system models – our essential tools in predicting tipping events. This extensive knowledge basis will be leveraged to determine safe boundaries for a stable Earth system and develop effective adaptation and mitigation measures to safeguard a better future for all.
We will share our findings every step of the way and engage with scientific communities, expert organizations such as IPBES and IPCC, decision makers, civil society and the public.
