04/20/2010 – An article in the renowned journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” (PNAS) by Hans Joachim Schellnhuber regarding Tipping elements in the Earth System was one of the 30 most read online papers in January and February 2010.
In the paper, which introduces the journal’s Special Feature, Schellnhuber examines elements of the Earth system whose state could be altered by anthropogenic forces. Further, he outlines nine studies published by international experts concerned with the stability of tipping elements, such as the Indian monsoon, the Amazon rainforest and continental ice sheets. On account of persistent scientific uncertainties and the risks associated with tipping processes, Schellnhuber concludes that tipping elements pose one of the toughest challenges for contemporary science.
