Human activities are causing irreversible changes to Earth’s climate, pushing key natural systems towards collapse. Coral reefs are suffering from frequent bleaching events, with up to 90% of reef-building corals projected to die in the coming decades if global warming continues unchecked. The thawing of permafrost is releasing large amounts of stored carbon, further accelerating global warming. Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets are at risk of irreversible melting, which could lead to catastrophic sea level rise. The West African monsoon, crucial for agriculture and livelihoods, may also shift due to climate change. The Amazon rainforest, a vital carbon sink and weather regulator, is facing threats from deforestation and worsening wildfires. In addition, the shutdown of Atlantic currents due to melting ice could disrupt global weather patterns. Scientists warn that these changes could have far-reaching and devastating consequences if not addressed swiftly. The time to take action to mitigate these impacts is now, before these natural systems reach a tipping point that cannot be reversed.
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