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Climate change is symptom of broader issue of ecological overshoot: William Ripple
Context
The distinguished professor of ecology speaks about consequences of record-breaking temperatures and future climate impacts on humanity.
About
Record Global Temperatures in 2023
- The year 2023 also saw the highest number of days with global mean temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius and one-day temperatures also breached 2°C warming point for the first time in November 2023.
- Consequences of this warming trend are evident in the surge of extreme weather events, particularly impacting regions like India where disasters have become a daily occurrence.
Planetary Vital Signs: A Snapshot of Earth's Health
- 35 Planetary vital Signs: A comprehensive study published in the journal BioScience reveals alarming trends across 35 "planetary vital signs."
- Human Activities: Human activities, from deforestation to meat consumption, are pushing 20 of these indicators to new extremes, including global GDP, fossil fuel subsidies, carbon pollution, and glacier thinning.
The Consequences of Record-Breaking Temperatures
William J Ripple, a distinguished professor of ecology, shared insights regarding the severity of the situation and the unforeseen consequences of human-induced climate change.
- Leaving Climate Conditions Associated with Human Civilization
- Breaking global temperature and ice extent records signifies a departure from climate conditions suitable for human civilization.
- Future climate impacts may include more frequent extreme weather events, rendering some regions uninhabitable.
- 2023: A Breach of Foundational Tipping
- The year 2023 is marked by the breaking of foundational tipping points, with climate conditions far exceeding past extremes.
- Climate-related disasters, such as wildfires in Canada, suggest ecosystems may be reaching tipping points.
- Transitioning to an Unsuitable Climate for Humans
- The frequency of extreme weather events and changing weather phenomena raises concerns about the Earth transitioning to a climate unsuitable for human habitation.
- Urgent action is needed to limit future warming, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support climate change adaptations.
- Vital Signs Collapse and Ecological Overshoot
- Twenty out of 35 vital signs are at record extremes, indicating ecological overshoot.
- Ecological overshoot poses broader threats, including biodiversity loss, water scarcity, pandemics, hunger, and social-economic injustice.
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