Tipping Point

In the words of Tim Naish, a New Zealand ice sheet scientist, “A tipping point, in terms of climate, is something that happens to the climate system that is irreversible on human timeframes.” The Antarctic Ice Sheets, which hold 70 percent of the world’s fresh water, are nearing such a tipping point. Crossing that point could mean runaway melting that would raise global sea level 2 meters in the next century and up to 20 meters by the year 2500, reshaping the entire planet. Our actions today will set the course for all future generations on this planet.