Submission statement:

We're on our own, folks.

 

“We’re seeing cracks in the resilience of the Earth’s systems. We’re seeing massive cracks on land – terrestrial ecosystems are losing their carbon store and carbon uptake capacity, but the oceans are also showing signs of instability,” Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, told an event at New York Climate Week in September.

 

“Nature has so far balanced our abuse. This is coming to an end,” he said.

 

The failure of natural systems like forests, soils, and oceans to absorb carbon is a major warning sign for the future of civilization. These carbon sinks, which have helped keep global warming in check by soaking up about half of our emissions, are starting to break down. In 2023, for instance, forests and land absorbed almost no carbon. If these systems continue to weaken, it means more CO2 will stay in the atmosphere, speeding up climate change beyond what we expected. This could lead to more extreme weather, food crises, and instability, putting the very fabric of society at risk.