Types of Climate Tipping Points
Exploring the different categories of tipping points across Earth's climate system
Your Progress
Section 2 of 5Categories of Tipping Points
Climate tipping points can be categorized by the Earth system component they affect. Each category has different timescales, thresholds, and potential impacts. Understanding these categories helps us prioritize monitoring and action.
Ice Sheets & Glaciers
Long-term sea level rise threats. Greenland and West Antarctica are most vulnerable to current warming levels.
Ocean Circulation
Can change relatively quickly, affecting weather patterns. The AMOC weakening could cause abrupt European cooling.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Forests and permafrost can shift rapidly, releasing stored carbon and changing biodiversity patterns.
Atmospheric Changes
Feedback loops that amplify warming. Methane release could accelerate climate change dramatically.
Explore Tipping Point Categories
Greenland Ice Sheet
West Antarctic Ice Sheet
East Antarctic Ice Sheet
Ice Sheets & Glaciers Summary
Ice sheets represent the largest potential for sea level rise but operate on long timescales. Greenland and West Antarctica are most vulnerable.