Low-Probability, High-Impact Climate Risks: An Explainer
Low-probability, high-impact climate risks are potential climate events or tipping points with a small chance of occurring but catastrophic consequences if they do. Understanding…
Search results
“Earth System Tipping Points”
Guides, research and analysis matching your search.
33 results
Can Global Temperature Fall After Overshooting 1.5°C?
Global temperature can decline after overshooting 1.5°C if net-negative emissions are achieved, but this requires large-scale carbon dioxide removal and comes with irreversible impacts.…
Why Scientists Periodically Revise Planetary Boundary Indicators
The planetary boundaries framework is periodically revised to incorporate new scientific data, improved models, and a deeper understanding of Earth-system processes. These updates refine…
Why Some Planetary Boundaries Are Easier to Measure Than Others
The planetary boundaries framework identifies nine Earth-system processes critical for maintaining a safe operating space for humanity. The ease of measuring these boundaries varies…
Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Explained: A Controversial Climate Intervention
Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) is a proposed solar geoengineering method to reflect sunlight and cool the Earth by injecting reflective particles into the stratosphere.…
Solar Radiation Modification: Potential and Risks
Solar radiation modification (SRM) encompasses a set of proposed techniques to reflect a small fraction of sunlight back into space to cool the Earth.…
Planetary Boundaries vs Environmental Thresholds
The planetary boundaries framework defines a safe operating space for humanity by identifying nine Earth-system processes and their thresholds. Unlike traditional environmental thresholds that…
Planetary Boundaries and Intergenerational Justice
The planetary boundaries framework defines a safe operating space for humanity, which is intrinsically linked to intergenerational justice—the obligation to leave future generations a…
Natural Capital: Useful Framework or Dangerous Simplification?
Natural capital is a framework that treats ecosystems and natural resources as assets providing essential services, aiming to integrate environmental values into economic decision-making.…
Why Methane Causes Strong but Shorter-Lived Warming
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide but remains in the atmosphere for only about 12…