A new review of research papers on global climate change, prepared by an international team of more than 200 researchers, revealed that humanity is heading towards a real catastrophe unless the necessary measures are taken in a timely manner.
The research team explained that the cost of climate-related damage is estimated at trillions of US dollars, exposing billions of people around the world to hardship, with the possibility of losing millions of lives as a result of the rapidly rising temperature of the planet.
The report focuses in particular on sudden and widespread turning points in environmental conditions, including: the widespread destruction of coral reefs and the collapse of the largest ice sheets, each of which in turn leads to broader and more widespread disruption.
“Our review shows that in the past, even small natural changes in greenhouse gas concentrations had a domino effect in changing different parts of our planet, from sea level to "Entire ecosystems. Without more significant climate action, we expect to see faster changes in greenhouse gas concentrations caused by burning fossil fuels."
Researchers warn of a catastrophic loss in the ability to grow crops, with about half the global area potentially lost to wheat and maize cultivation, putting the “stability of our societies” at risk.
Indeed, more than 27 million children fell into hunger due to extreme weather in 2022 alone.
The researchers call for coordinated global policy efforts to reduce negative tipping points and promote a more sustainable approach to life on Earth.
The report explained that fossil fuels should be phased out before 2050, with incentives to continue developing infrastructure for renewable energy sources.
“National strategies for solar generation and storage will encourage investment to increase capacity and ultimately reduce costs, leading to more renewable energy sources,” says geoscientist Stephen Parker, from Cardiff University.
Portions of the report were published in Earth System Dynamics.