“Should EAs pay more attention to Climate Tipping Points? AMOC Collapse as a Case Study” by Rebecca Frank

Climate change doesn't rank as a top EA cause area because it already receives substantial funding, is less neglected than other risks, and—under gradual-warming scenarios—seems unlikely to cause human extinction. I broadly agree with that assessment. Yet some problems under the climate umbrella do fit EA criteria of scale, neglectedness, and tractability. Climate tipping points in particular could trigger catastrophic feedback loops—mass human suffering, great-power conflict, biodiversity collapse, and wild-animal suffering—while still attracting little targeted funding. Conversations with long-time climate experts reinforce that most money still flows to mitigation; far less supports adaptation or contingency planning. From a “maximizing impact at the margins” perspective, work that limits damage once a tipping point is crossed looks unusually cost-effective, even if it is unfashionable in some environmental circles (it can feel like “admitting defeat”). Preparedness and response planning could therefore make a decisive difference. I would welcome the community's perspective [...] ---Outline:(02:27) Assessing the Risk of Global Catastrophic Food Failure from AMOC Collapse(03:53) Introduction(04:27) Overview of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)(07:05) AMOC Weakening and Tipping Potential(12:59) Impacts(18:53) Timelines and Early Warnings(22:15) Recommendations for Resilience and Further Research(24:03) References--- First published: June 27th, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/zCHvZCpyjB8rchyye/untitled-draft-m599 --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO. ---Images from the article:Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.