Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene

Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene

August 14, 2018 | Will Steffen, Johan Rockström, Katherine Richardson, Timothy M. Lenton, Carl Folke, Diana Liverman, Colin P. Summerhayes, Anthony D. Barnosky, Sarah E. Cornell, Michel Crucifix, Jonathan F. Donges, Ingo Fetzer, Steven J. Lade, Marten Scheffer, Ricarda Winkelmann, and Hans Joachim Schellnhuber
The Earth System in the Anthropocene is at risk of crossing a planetary threshold that could lead to a "Hothouse Earth" pathway, characterized by continued warming and high sea levels, even if human emissions are reduced. This threshold, potentially at around 2°C above pre-industrial levels, could trigger a cascade of tipping elements, leading to irreversible changes. The study highlights the importance of human action to steer the Earth System toward a stable, interglacial-like state. This requires a comprehensive approach, including decarbonization, enhancing carbon sinks, behavioral changes, technological innovation, and new governance structures. The current trajectory is nearing the upper limit of past interglacial conditions, and without intervention, the Earth System may lock into a hotter state. The analysis suggests that a Stabilized Earth pathway, which maintains a temperature rise below 2°C, is achievable through coordinated human efforts. However, this requires fundamental changes in values, institutions, and technologies. The study emphasizes the need for resilience-building strategies to adapt to rapid changes and uncertainties. The risk of a Hothouse Earth pathway is significant, with severe impacts on ecosystems, societies, and economies. The findings underscore the urgency of global cooperation to prevent irreversible damage to the Earth System.The Earth System in the Anthropocene is at risk of crossing a planetary threshold that could lead to a "Hothouse Earth" pathway, characterized by continued warming and high sea levels, even if human emissions are reduced. This threshold, potentially at around 2°C above pre-industrial levels, could trigger a cascade of tipping elements, leading to irreversible changes. The study highlights the importance of human action to steer the Earth System toward a stable, interglacial-like state. This requires a comprehensive approach, including decarbonization, enhancing carbon sinks, behavioral changes, technological innovation, and new governance structures. The current trajectory is nearing the upper limit of past interglacial conditions, and without intervention, the Earth System may lock into a hotter state. The analysis suggests that a Stabilized Earth pathway, which maintains a temperature rise below 2°C, is achievable through coordinated human efforts. However, this requires fundamental changes in values, institutions, and technologies. The study emphasizes the need for resilience-building strategies to adapt to rapid changes and uncertainties. The risk of a Hothouse Earth pathway is significant, with severe impacts on ecosystems, societies, and economies. The findings underscore the urgency of global cooperation to prevent irreversible damage to the Earth System.
Reach us at info@futurestudyspace.com