Lämpökatastrofi

Lämpökatastrofi, often translated as heat catastrophe or thermal runaway, refers to a phenomenon where increasing temperatures lead to further increases in temperature, potentially causing irreversible damage or system collapse. This concept is most commonly discussed in the context of climate change, where rising global temperatures can trigger positive feedback loops that accelerate warming. For instance, as ice melts, less solar radiation is reflected back into space, leading to more heat absorption by the Earth's surface and thus further melting. Similarly, permafrost thaw releases greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which trap more heat and cause additional thawing.

Beyond climate science, the term can be applied to other systems exhibiting self-reinforcing thermal processes. In some industrial or chemical processes, uncontrolled heat generation can lead to a runaway reaction, causing equipment failure or explosions. This occurs when the rate of heat production exceeds the rate of heat dissipation, causing a rapid and dangerous temperature increase. Understanding and mitigating potential heat catastrophes, whether on a global climatic scale or within localized technical systems, is crucial for preventing severe environmental and societal consequences. The study of these feedback mechanisms is an active area of research aimed at predicting and managing risks associated with rising temperatures.