What is a tipping point in environmental science?

Tipping points—where a small perturbation triggers a large response—can occur in many complex environmental systems. They produce abrupt and sometimes irreversible change, are inherently difficult to predict, and thus pose considerable challenges to the occupants and managers of those systems.

How does environmental change affect biodiversity?

As climate change alters temperature and weather patterns, it will also impact plant and animal life. Scientists expect the number and range of species, which define biodiversity, will decline greatly as temperatures continue to rise.

Does climate change cause biodiversity loss?

The link between climate change and biodiversity has long been established. Although throughout Earth’s history the climate has always changed with ecosystems and species coming and going, rapid climate change affects ecosystems and species ability to adapt and so biodiversity loss increases.

Is climate change at a tipping point?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change began considering the possibility of tipping points 20 years ago. Tipping points are now considered to have significant probability at today’s warming level of just over 1 degree C, with high probability above 2 degrees C of global warming.

How can global warming impact climate change in the Arctic?

Melting ice speeds up climate change. Global warming is causing Arctic ice to melt – ice reflects sunlight, while water absorbs it. When the Arctic ice melts, the oceans around it absorb more sunlight and heat up, making the world warmer as a result.

How is climate change affecting the Arctic?

The average temperature of the Arctic has increased 2.3°C since the 1970s. Ice dependent species such as narwhals, polar bears, and walruses are at increasing risk with shrinking sea ice cover. As the Arctic loses snow and ice, bare rock and water absorb more and more of the sun’s energy, making it even warmer.

How do anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions affect Earth’s climate?

When carbon dioxide concentrations drop, Earth cools, some water vapor falls out of the atmosphere, and the greenhouse warming caused by water vapor drops. At the same time global average temperatures are rising as a result of heat trapped by the additional CO2 and increased water vapor concentration.