Skip to main content

Is our climate headed for a mathematical tipping point? - Victor J. Donnay

187,311 Views

8,412 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Scientists have warned that as CO2 levels in the atmosphere rise an increase in Earth’s temperature by even two degrees could lead to catastrophic effects across the world. But how can such a tiny, measurable change in one factor lead to huge, unpredictable changes elsewhere? Victor J. Donnay uses billiards to illustrate tipping points, chaotic motion and their implications on climate change.

WatchThink Dig Deeper Discuss
If one billiard is hit at a certain degree angle with no friction on a perfectly circular table, what will happen? Put these statements in the correct order: 1. The billiard will bounce off at the same angle 2. The billiard will go straight 3. The billiard will hit the wall at a certain angle 4. The billiard will continue to move and form a star shaped pattern

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Victor J. Donnay
  • Animator Mark Storer, Henry Chung, Ricky Earl, Noel Wong, Michael Field
  • Artist Ieuan Protheroe
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from Our Changing Climate