Carbon Cycle Feedback & Tipping Points

Earth's carbon reservoirs with permafrost feedback — watch for runaway warming at critical emission rates

CO₂ = 415 ppm | ΔT = 0°C | Year 0

Integrated carbon cycle: CO₂ partitions between atmosphere, ocean, and land. Warming unlocks permafrost carbon (positive feedback). At high permafrost sensitivity, the system can tip into a runaway state — a classic saddle-node bifurcation. Based on simplified IPCC box model.