In climate science, what is ‘tipping point’?
- AIt is a critical threshold that when crossed leads to large, accelerating and often irreversible changes in the climate systemCorrect
- BIt is the moment when the emission reach their peak
- CIt is a temporary pause in global warming due to natural variability
- DIt is the peak of the planet's inherent temperature fluctuations, beyond which a gradual cooling phase ensues as part of its cyclical climatic rhythm
Solution
Concept
A tipping point is a critical threshold in the climate system. After crossing it, change becomes large, fast and often cannot be reversed.
Step-by-step solution
1. Tipping point means a threshold in the climate system. 2. Once the threshold is crossed, change becomes self-reinforcing. 3. The change is large, accelerating and often irreversible. 4. Examples: ice sheet collapse, Amazon dieback, permafrost thaw. 5. Option A matches this meaning.
Explanation
A tipping point is a limit in the climate system. When the limit is crossed, changes become big and fast, and they are very hard to reverse. Option A gives this exact meaning.
Why the other options are wrong
B: Peak emission is a different idea, not a tipping point. C: A temporary pause in warming is natural variability, not a threshold. D: Describes a cyclical natural rhythm, not an irreversible threshold.
Shortcut
Look for the words threshold, accelerating and irreversible.
Common mistake
Confusing a tipping point with peak emissions or a natural pause in warming.
Correct answer: A) It is a critical threshold that when crossed leads to large, accelerating and often irreversible changes in the climate system