Setting goals for
pioneering research

5 Work Streams

18 Work Packages

7 Core Objectives

Research priorities
& project scope

Better Understand Tipping Points and Improve Climate Models

The project will improve our understanding of tipping phenomena in the Earth system, including the representation of Tipping Elements in Earth System Models, as well as provide the theoretical basis for important concepts such as Early Warning Signals, resilience and rate-dependent tipping.

Work Packages 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Model Climate and Ecosystem Tipping Elements

We evaluate how Tipping Elements are represented in advanced climate models by analysing polar ice sheets, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and the Amazon rainforest in terms of their responses to critical forcing thresholds, rates, hysteresis, overshoot potential and interactions among them, with implications for tipping cascades.

Work Packages 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Investigate Impacts of Tipping Points

Using dynamical and statistical/Machine Learning-based techniques we investigate the impacts of tipping events on the biosphere, including evaluating the impacts of Atlantic ocean circulation collapse and the dieback of the Amazon rainforest on extreme weather phenomena like heatwaves, cold spells, droughts, as well as on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Work Packages 10 | 11 | 12

Address Mitigation, Adaptation and Socioeconomic Costs

Leveraging bias-corrected storyline climate tipping scenarios to develop data-driven models for evaluating impacts on forestry and agriculture, wider society and economy and derive policy-relevant information on the potential for mitigation and adaptation.

Work Packages 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

Outreach, Communication, Dissemination and Management

We aim to improve public awareness of risks associated with tipping points through a comprehensive outreach and communication strategy. The project results will be shared with the general public, civil society and decision makers for efficient use and to maximise the scientific and societal impacts of our research.

Work Packages 17 | 18

Core Objectives

Advance understanding of Tipping Elements and improve their representation in climate models

Characterize climate and ecosystem Tipping Elements, estimate critical forcing levels and rates for key Tipping Elements, and identify unknown tipping potential.

Assess the current stability of major climate and ecosystem Tipping Elements, estimate changes in their resilience and setup early warning systems for them.

Quantify the impacts of large-scale tipping events and provide global high-resolution impact maps of vulnerable regions and subsystems.

Enhance resilience of biosphere and food supply, identify ecosystem management strategies and assess feasibility of nature-based solutions.

Assess socioeconomic costs of tipping events and implications for mitigation strategies.

Improve public knowledge and awareness of tipping point risks by maximizing impact via outreach and communication and capacity building for key stakeholders.

Image credits (from top to bottom, left to right as they appear on the page):
1. Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash
2. Icebergs of Iceland’s Vatnajokull. Photo by Anders Jildén on Unsplash.
3. Photo by Shawn on Unsplash.
4. Iceland. Photo by Alexander Marinescu on Unsplash.
5. A boat with red sails, Photo by Hector John Periquin on Unsplash . ‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ClimTip?

ClimTip is a multidisciplinary effort dedicated to advancing our understanding and prediction of Earth's climate tipping points. Through cutting-edge research and data analysis, we strive to identify critical thresholds in the climate system, focusing on four major systems: the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, and the Amazon rainforest. By developing early warning systems and conducting comprehensive assessments, we aim to mitigate the impacts of these tipping points on ecosystems, societies, and economies worldwide. Our work is crucial for fostering global awareness and collaboration in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate tipping points. Find out more about our project.

What are the objectives of the project?

The primary objectives of the ClimTip project are to deepen our understanding of climate tipping points, refine predictive models, and develop early warning systems. We aim to assess the impacts of tipping events on climate, ecosystems, and society, while formulating strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Additionally, we prioritize raising public awareness about the importance and risks of climate tipping points. Read more about our science goals here.

What are climate tipping points?

Climate tipping points are critical thresholds in Earth's climate system where small changes can lead to significant and potentially irreversible shifts. These shifts can cause abrupt and profound changes to weather patterns, ecosystems, and human societies, with far-reaching impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and sea levels. Understanding and addressing these tipping points is imperative for safeguarding our planet's future and fostering a sustainable and resilient world.

How close are we to crossing tipping points?

While scientists have identified potential tipping points in our climate system, there are significant uncertainties regarding when and how these thresholds may be crossed. These uncertainties underscores the importance of deepening our understanding of climate tipping points and developing early warning systems. The urgency lies in the fact that even small changes in global temperatures can increase the risk of triggering these critical thresholds. By actively addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we can work to mitigate the risk of crossing tipping points and minimize their potential impacts on our planet.

What are the most important Tipping Elements?

While ongoing debates within the scientific community acknowledge uncertainties surrounding the status of various tipping elements in Earth's climate system, certain systems, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, Amazon rainforest are widely acknowledged as critical tipping elements. The ClimTip project focuses its research efforts primarily on these major tipping elements, recognizing their paramount importance in global climate dynamics. These elements are significant due to their potential to trigger abrupt and irreversible changes, such as sea level rise, disruptions to global weather patterns, and loss of biodiversity.

Do you still have questions about ClimTip?

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Setting goals forpioneering research

Research priorities & project scope

Setting goals for
pioneering research

Research priorities
& project scope