BERLIN – Water scarcity and species extinction can lead to irreversible and life-threatening impacts if humanity does not change course, according to a new report by the United Nations University in Bonn published on Wednesday.
“As we indiscriminately extract our water resources, damage nature and biodiversity, and pollute both Earth and space, we are moving dangerously close to the brink of multiple risk tipping points that could destroy the very systems that our life depends on,” lead author Zita Sebesvari told German news agency (dpa).
Such a tipping point is reached when a system is no longer able to cushion risks and perform its expected functions, the authors wrote.
“Our actions are jeopardising these important buffer capacities on which we urgently depend,” Sebesvari added.
The severe droughts, floods and hurricanes of recent years clearly demonstrated this, she said.
The “Interconnected Disaster Risks” report identifies six areas of concern: accelerating species extinction, groundwater depletion, mountain glaciers melting, space debris, unbearable heat and an uninsurable future.
The report concludes that the solutions being implemented currently focus on delaying the tipping points rather than truly addressing the root causes.
“Our actions are focused on the now,” criticised Sebesvari.
In the case of extreme heat, for example, global warming causes more frequent and intense heatwaves in which the human body can no longer survive, the authors write.
An example of a solution that delays this risk is the installation of air conditioners. A solution that addresses the root cause, on the other hand, would aim to halt emissions of greenhouse gases so that the tipping point can be avoided, the report states. – Bernama
