What are climate ‘tipping points’?
In order to view the videos online at Big Picture TV, you need to install the Macromedia Flash Player 8 (or later) and have Javascript enabled in your browser.
About the video: ‘What are climate ‘tipping points’?’
The climate cycle fluctuates between alternating ice and warm ages. However, unprecedented levels of greenhouse gas concentrations now threaten to distort historic patterns. Amplifying feedbacks may trigger a tipping point that accelerates global warming, threatening an era of climate chaos. Beyond such a point our efforts to stem the tide of climate change may prove ineffectual.
Total views: 2,715
Filmed: London, UK on 20 February 2007
Credits: Interviewer - Tim Helweg-Larson, Camera and Editor - Marcus Morrell
Copyright © 2007 Big Picture TV
About David Wasdell
David Wasdell, Director of the Meridian Programme, is a world-renowned expert in the dynamics of climate change. He is also a reviewer of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports and the author of numerous papers and presentations on climate change and related topics.
Other videos with David Wasdell
David Wasdell
What are ‘climate feedbacks’?
David Wasdell explains how the future of our climate will be affected by feedback mechanisms that may amplify global warming. Of the 20 feedback mechanisms that have been identified,…
Recorded: 20 February 2007
David Wasdell
What is the climate composed of? (Part 1)
In this two-part series, David Wasdell examines the components of our climate system. The carbon cycle, relating to the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, is of fundamental importance…
Recorded: 20 February 2007
David Wasdell
What is the climate composed of? (Part 2)
In this two-part series, David Wasdell examines the components of our climate system. The carbon cycle, relating to the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, is of fundamental importance…
Recorded: 20 February 2007
David Wasdell
How does climate change happen? (Part 1)
There are around 20 feedback mechanisms that could potentially accelerate climate change. In this two-part series David Wasdell examines three main categories of feedback. The best…
Recorded: 20 February 2007
David Wasdell
How does climate change happen? (Part 2)
There are around 20 feedback mechanisms that could potentially accelerate climate change. In this two-part series David Wasdell examines three main categories of feedback. The best…
Recorded: 20 February 2007
Related videos
Sir Crispin Tickell
What are climate change ‘feedback loops’?
Climate change is a non-linear event, meaning that certain temperatures or weather patterns can trigger abrupt change. Surface temperatures could therefore accelerate or recede…
Recorded: 9 March 2005
Hans Joachim Schellnhuber
What will happen in the long term if we do nothing about climate change?
Professor Schellnhuber expresses caution when discussing possible runaway climate change. He does, however, believe that we are at a tipping point where human activity could tip…
Recorded: 11 December 2006
Elisabet Sahtouris
Should spirituality and science be unified? (part 1)
In this two-part series Dr. Sahtouris talks about reuniting spirituality with science in order to form a new world view – a world view that shows how humanity is still evolving…
Recorded: 1 September 2003
Michael Meacher
How can humanity better respect the environment?
Michael Meacher MP addresses the theme of environmental governance. He begins by talking about the fragile nature of our Earth’s biosphere, with particular reference to James…
Recorded: 31 March 2004
Frank Dixon
Can corporate responsibility be profitable?
Frank Dixon argues that corporations operating in a responsible and sustainable way perform better. He talks about a new model for investment in sustainable businesses called Total…
Recorded: 20 May 2004
Vijay Vaitheeswaran
How can we meet the world’s energy needs?
In the first part of this three-part series, journalist Vijay Vaitheeswaran debunks some of the myths about oil. He explains where most of our oil comes from and where it goes.…
Recorded: 9 June 2004
