UN researchers caution that humanity is edging perilously close to irreversible tipping points with dire consequences. These 'risk tipping points' include the withdrawal of home insurance in flood-prone areas, depletion of vital groundwater resources for food supplies, loss of mountain glaciers crucial for water sources, and the potential disruption of weather satellites due to accumulating space debris.
A new report from the UN University underscores the urgency of taking action to avert these risks. Unlike climate tipping points, which result from large-scale changes linked to global heating, risk tipping points directly impact people's lives through complex social and ecological systems.
Dr. Zita Sebesvari, from UNU's Institute for Environment and Human Security, warns that our current actions, such as resource extraction and environmental damage, are pushing us dangerously close to these risk tipping points, potentially undermining the very systems on which our lives depend.
The report examines six risk tipping points, including the unavailability or unaffordability of building insurance, which leaves people economically vulnerable during disasters, especially the less privileged. Groundwater overexploitation is another risk, as it prevents food production losses from droughts but is depleting rapidly. Many major aquifers are already being depleted faster than they can naturally refill.
The report also highlights the risks of diminishing water supplies from melting mountain glaciers, satellite collisions due to space debris, heatwaves exceeding human body's natural cooling capacity, and ecosystem collapse due to interdependent species loss.
Caitlyn Eberle, also at UNU, emphasizes that the impacts of these risk tipping points will become increasingly apparent over time but can be mitigated through collective action. This change entails various actions, such as increasing flood resilience, improved planning at the municipal level, state-backed insurance, and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Sebesvari calls for a shift in values, particularly the inclusion of future generations' rights in decision-making processes, such as using lower discount rates for future benefits.
While some experts emphasize a difference between these risk tipping points and the traditional definition of climate tipping points, it's crucial to recognize the potential dangers associated with these thresholds, especially regarding human exposure to extreme heat and humidity
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Depletion of vital groundwater resources and melting mountain glaciers are particularly concerning, as they directly affect food and water supplies for millions of people.
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We are past warning stages now, only action needed.
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@gorffly_mokua I agree.We are running out of time.
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@gorffly_mokua We really don't have time
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A great clarion call from the UN
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@peter_kamau it should now start leading with example ...we are waiting
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The warning is of prime importance,we have to be serious and stop wasting time#climate action is the only option to save our own.
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The fact that the Earth is nearing tipping points is alarming and should serve as a wake-up call for governments and individuals to take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt sustainable practices. Failure to act now could have catastrophic consequences for our planet and future generations. It is time for us to prioritize the health of our planet over short-term economic gains.
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Expecting the UN to lead from the front in taking action
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@munene_mugambi i agree... we can only do it if we have a good leader on the front
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Creating awareness and giving tips on possible adverse outcomes of climate is critical in preparations for the unexpected
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@johnte_ndeto definitely it is important for organizations such as UN to continue giving such cautions so that people can be prepared in advance
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This is a great wake up call from the UN, we must all work towards attaining sustainable development goals to create a sustainable future.
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@joseph_githinji yes, well said, to achieve a sustainable future we need to strive and curb climate change