The National Research Council panel recently released a report on the effects of “abrupt” climate impacts that stem from sudden sea-level rise, water shortages, and extinctions. The report indicates that in the coming decades we could experience certain “tipping points” that would accelerate the impact of warming on the earth too quickly for humans to be able to adapt.

For example, the abrupt melting of ice caps will cause sea levels to quickly rise. Specifically, the report was worried about the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet into the ocean which would cause many coastal cities and islands under 3 or 4 meters to sink. Moreover, the extinction of certain species would have unpredictable ripples effects in various ecosystems that currents data can’t reflect.

Despite the fact that the United States and international community pursue regulations to try and curb harmful emissions, it is not enough to mitigate the impacts of abrupt climate impacts. The report recommended that policymakers adopt a climate early warning system that would:

 (1) identify and quantify social and natural vulnerabilities and ensure long-term, stable observations of key environmental and economic parameters through enhanced and targeted monitoring; (2) integrate new knowledge into numerical models for enhanced understanding and predictive capability; and (3) synthesize new learning and advance the understanding of the Earth system, taking advantage of collaborations and new analysis tools.

Such early warning systems may be costly, but such a system could offset billions, if not trillions, in damages from floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.

The American Security Project (ASP) has been at the forefront of exposing the threat that climate change poses to the world. Check out our work linking climate change to global security concerns here.

Recently, the ASP published work on the security challenges of a melting Arctic, which can be found here.

Share on Facebook

Tweet