Singapore, October 25, 2023 (Reuters) -The research arm of the United Nations, the UNU-EHS, has issued a grave warning that the world is approaching a series of interconnected tipping points, which could have devastating consequences for water supplies and other crucial life-sustaining systems. The report, titled "Interconnected Disaster Risks", identifies six major threats that, once crossed, may trigger irreversible changes with wide-ranging implications. These findings were published ahead of the COP28 climate talks scheduled for next month.

According to the report, the escalating impacts of climate change and resource depletion are pushing the world towards these critical thresholds. The lead author of the report, Jack O'Connor, emphasizes that once these tipping points are crossed, the affected systems will fail to function as they normally would, leading to a cascade of new risks that could transmit to other interconnected systems.

The report highlights several key threats to our ecosystems and societies, including accelerating rates of extinction, groundwater depletion, glacial melt, and extreme heat. It warns that within a matter of decades, a staggering one million plant and animal species could face extinction. The loss of these key species would trigger a domino effect, leading to further extinctions and ultimately raising the risk of ecosystem collapse.

Depleting aquifers, already a grave concern, pose a significant risk to countries such as Saudi Arabia, India, and the United States. Many of the world's largest aquifers are being depleted faster than they can be replenished. The report also highlights the adverse effects of glacial melt, as runoff from melting glaciers serves as a critical water source for rivers and groundwater systems. As glaciers disappear, water availability declines, exacerbating the pressures on already stressed water resources.

Another emerging concern highlighted in the report is the growing threat posed by space debris. Collisions in space have the potential to render Earth's orbit unusable, undermining future space activities, including satellite monitoring of environmental threats.

Worsening climate hazards are making insurance unaffordable, warns the report. In Australia alone, half a million homes are projected to become uninsurable by 2030. Once this tipping point is reached, individuals and communities will be left without an economic safety net to cope with the aftermath of natural disasters.

The UNU-EHS report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address these interconnected environmental risks. The findings highlight the importance of sustainable resource use, climate mitigation, and the preservation of crucial ecosystems. As world leaders prepare to convene at the upcoming COP28 climate talks, the report reinforces the need for decisive action to prevent irreversible damage and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.