Thresholds and Tipping Points

The natural state of the environment is continually changing because of human impact, which is called “shifting baselines.” This change is not only gradual; it can also be a dramatic tipping point, like was seen with the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Other examples include the Amazon; there, Eneas Salati’s research proved an interaction between vegetation and climate and that deforestation could cause the hydrological cycle to unravel. Coral reefs have also seen that temperature-sensitive tipping point. Humans easily interfere with these connections in the environment, highlighting the need for close attention to and study of our fellow biodiversity and natural resources.

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