Global warming caused by burning fossil fuels is speeding up and pushing some of Earth's most important natural systems close to tipping points, climate scientist Johan Rockström said Tuesday, according to Reuters.

Rockström is director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. He spoke at the Reuters Sustainability Europe conference in London.

He said damage to coral reefs and the Amazon rainforest is close to becoming permanent, Reuters reported. He also said parts of the Atlantic Ocean's circulation system are close to collapse. That includes the current that carries warm water from the Caribbean and keeps Western Europe's weather milder.

The latest science shows the world is on course to pass 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming in the next few years, he said, according to Reuters. That would bring more frequent and more intense extreme weather. The 1.5-degree mark refers to the rise in average surface temperature.

Rockström spoke ahead of the United Nations COP31 climate talks, which are scheduled to start on November 9.

He urged companies to treat climate and nature as one connected issue, not two separate ones. While cutting emissions, businesses should also invest in protecting nature, including projects that restore wildlife and fresh water supplies, Reuters reported.

Rockström also said it was "incredibly disturbing" to see lobbying to ease rules on phasing out gas and diesel cars. He pointed to subsidies for gas and diesel that he said were hurting demand for electric vehicles.

What we know: Rockström says warming is accelerating and several major natural systems are near tipping points.
What we don't: How governments will respond at COP31. Only Reuters has reported this so far; NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.