We can still reverse the partial passing of tipping points.

Why are scientists increasingly concerned about climate tipping points?

There are still many unknowns, but improved climate modeling and new observations create a clearer picture than we’ve had before. Most recently, a study published in Science concluded that we may have already crossed some tipping point thresholds with the 1.1 degrees Celsius of global warming that humans have caused so far. More will become likely if we surpass the 1.5-degree threshold. That’s a significant update to a prior assessment, which suggested we would need to hit 2 degrees Celsius before reaching this state.

Even the latest IPCC report, which has historically taken a more cautious view, warns that certain global tipping points could be triggered by emissions trajectories currently predicted as “very likely.” And the warmer it gets, the more probable triggering these tipping points becomes.

Can anything actually be done to avoid tipping points?

Some impacts may now be inevitable, but we can still take steps to avoid further accelerating the consequences of the tipping points we have likely passed or will pass. That’s why it’s crucial we prioritize and ramp up climate mitigation and climate adaptation.

On the mitigation front, it means doing all we can to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, which will require transformative global shifts led by the developed countries responsible for the majority of historical emissions. On the adaptation front, that means actively preparing for climate impacts coming down the pike and prioritizing resources for already-vulnerable communities.

The bottom line? We can still hasten positive change, like the use of renewables, which have already crossed a “mass adoption” threshold in 87 countries. So tipping points should only drive us to press for greater action—not to throw our hands up.