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Report: Earth Hits First Climate Tipping Point as Coral Reefs Collapse

Published 2 days ago

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Above: Coral reef. Image copyright: Unsplash

The Spin

Climate tipping points remain largely theoretical constructs plagued by mathematical uncertainty and insufficient data. Scientists themselves question whether discussing these vague apocalyptic scenarios is even useful, as they may confuse people and lead them to give up on fighting climate change entirely. The math behind tipping points is so fraught with assumptions that slight changes can make them disappear completely.

Quanta Magazine

Coral reefs have officially crossed the first major climate tipping point, with 80% experiencing the worst bleaching on record during 2023's marine heat waves. This irreversible collapse affects a billion people who depend on reefs for food, income and coastal protection. To avoid climate tipping points, we must accelerate efforts to limit warming and reduce the risks of severe climate impacts.

404 Media

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 37% chance that space-based technology will enable effective enforcement of the U.N. High Seas Treaty to reduce marine pollution and protect marine ecosystems before 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.