The Climate Tipping Points that Could Change the Earth Forever
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Provided by: Grist|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video from Grist discusses the concept of tipping points, specifically with regard to permafrost melting, melting ice sheets, and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
- The video uses a glass of water that is slowly tipped to one side until it falls over as a visual representation of ecological tipping points.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Grist
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video is brief and does a nice job of simplifying the concept of positive feedback loops and ecological tipping points related to climate change.
Prerequisites
- There may be a commercial before the video.
- It may be beneficial to activate prior knowledge about the albedo effect, the density of water at different temperatures, and the production of carbon dioxide from cellular respiration and decomposition.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Science classes can set up their own model demonstration of a tipping point to illustrate the idea or run an albedo experiment using identical objects of different colors to see differences in temperature increase in direct sunlight.
- Social studies classes can discuss the human toll and impacts on societies in various locations if we cross these tipping points.
- Students can also view this related video about ecosystems.
Tipping points in climate science do exist, and this video resource explains how they happen. Additionally, the video is linked to a thoroughly researched article for more information. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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