These six tipping points might have disastrous consequences for humanity

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According to a United Nations think group, the globe is on the verge of six interrelated "tipping points"

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that could have devastating consequences for both people and the planet. They include the accumulation of space junk,

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the depletion of groundwater, and the melting of mountain glaciers.

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Tipping points are critical thresholds in natural and societal systems that are reached when the system can no longer provide its expected function

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Caitlyn Eberle at the United Nations University (UNU) in Germany and

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her colleagues have identified the key tipping points that connect the physical climate system to society

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