Since the Industrial Revolution, which greatly increased emissions, greenhouse gases have accumulated in the atmosphere and remain active, contributing to ongoing global warming. Today, there is a clear call to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels (circa 1850–1900). The carbon and other greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere, along with ongoing emissions, are driving us toward a cascade of “tipping points” that could lead to existential threats for our planet.

One of the most concerning feedback loops is the melting of permafrost. As the climate warms, permafrost thaws, releasing trapped methane—a potent greenhouse gas far more destructive than carbon dioxide. This release accelerates global warming, triggering even more permafrost melt in a vicious cycle. While it’s challenging, if not impossible, to reverse this process or protect permafrost on a large scale, we can still reduce current methane emissions. One way to do this is by switching to electric heating and cooking powered by renewable energy sources.

Another alarming feedback loop is the melting of glaciers. As glaciers shrink, not only do they contribute to rising sea levels, but they also reduce Earth’s reflectivity (albedo). Ice reflects solar radiation, while exposed land and water absorb it, further warming the planet. This accelerates the melting of more glaciers, affecting ocean currents and reinforcing global warming. Rising sea levels are already displacing coastal communities, and this trend is expected to continue.

Deforestation, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Amazon, exacerbates climate change. Forests are cleared for agriculture, cash crops, or because of wildfires, which are themselves fueled by the warming climate. Deforestation accelerates global warming, reduces biodiversity, and disrupts ecosystems. As habitats shrink and ecosystems break down, many species face extinction, unable to adapt quickly enough to the changing environment.

Understanding these feedback loops and tipping points is crucial for recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis. It also serves as a reminder to appreciate the natural world we currently enjoy. We must take action—both personally and collectively—to become transformative environmental leaders at this critical juncture. Our future depends on it.