What is the future of the majestic ice masses of Antarctica that store enough water to make sea levels rise many meters, if it gets released? The science is clear that what we do today, if we keep on emitting greenhouse gases for just a few further decades, will shape our planet’s coastlines for millennia to come. Identifying the complex long-term dynamics at play is key to understand the underlying mechanisms and assess the risks. From shrinking Arctic sea-ice to weakening critical currents such as the Gulf Stream or crumbling ecosystems like the coral reefs - the oceans, covering two thirds of our planet, are one major life-support system for people all around the world.