Study Warns of Increased Tipping Point Risks with Temporary Climate Overshoots

New research emphasizes the importance of adhering to the 1.5°C limit to prevent irreversible changes in Earth systems.

Even brief periods of exceeding 1.5°C can significantly raise the risk of crossing climate tipping points.
Key tipping elements include the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, the Amazon Rainforest, and Atlantic Ocean currents.
The study finds that the risk of tipping accelerates with higher peak temperatures and longer overshoot durations.
Achieving and maintaining net-zero emissions is crucial to minimizing long-term tipping risks.
Current policies could lead to a 45% tipping risk by 2300 if temperatures temporarily exceed 1.5°C.