Environmental tipping points occur when warming temperatures lead to changes in the climate system which pass a threshold and become irreversible. Passing these points will lead to changes to sea level, ocean circulation and our weather, something world leaders need to plan for in advance. That’s why it’s vital to monitor for signs we are coming close to and passing these tipping points.
Combining observation and modelling expertise with innovative sensing systems, the programme aims to develop sensing systems for monitoring the Earth’s ice and oceans and place these systems in locations such as the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Subpolar Gyres (ocean circulation systems which sit under an area of constant low atmospheric pressure); both of which have been identified as crucial climate tipping points.
The programme will also look at developing improved models (computer simulations) to produce more robust and accurate predictions of these tipping points and the potential impact on the planet.
The programme is made up of 27 international teams of experts in climate science, maths, computer science, statistics, optics, photonics, and nuclear physics – bringing together this expertise to develop the best possible early warning system for these climate tipping points.
CPOM members are supporting three of these teams:
CryoWatch: Aims to progress the development of affordable, solar-powered, High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS), to be stationed in the stratosphere for persistent monitoring of polar regions. Led by Steve Tate (Voltitude), the team includes CPOM Co-Director of Science, Professor Mal McMillan.
OptimISM: A Next-Generation Framework for Ice Sheet Modelling. Led by Trystan Surawy-Stepney (University of Leeds), the team includes CPOM Principal Investigator: Land Ice Modelling, Dr Steph Cornford (University of Bristol).
PROMOTE: Progressing Earth System Modelling for Tipping Point Early Warning Systems. Led by Reinhard Schiemann (University of Reading and National Centre for Atmospheric Science), the team includes CPOM Principal Investigator: Land Ice Modelling, Dr Steph Cornford (University of Bristol).
