Harmful tipping points in the natural world pose some of the gravest threats faced by humanity. Their triggering will severely damage our planet’s life-support systems and threaten the stability of our societies.
In the Summary Report:
• Narrative summary
• Global tipping points infographic
• Key messages
• Key Recommendations
Executive summary
• Section 1
• Section 2
• Section 3
• Section 4
This report is for all those concerned with tackling escalating Earth system change and mobilising transformative social change to alter that trajectory, achieve sustainability and promote social justice.
In this section:
• Foreword
• Introduction
• Key Concepts
• Approach
• References
Considers Earth system tipping points. These are reviewed and assessed across the three major domains of the cryosphere, biosphere and circulation of the oceans and atmosphere. We then consider the interactions and potential cascades of Earth system tipping points, followed by an assessment of early warning signals for Earth system tipping points.
Considers tipping point impacts. First we look at the human impacts of Earth system tipping points, then the potential couplings to negative tipping points in human systems. Next we assess the potential for cascading and compounding systemic risk, before considering the potential for early warning of impact tipping points.
Considers how to govern Earth system tipping points and their associated risks. We look at governance of mitigation, prevention and stabilisation then we focus on governance of impacts, including adaptation, vulnerability and loss and damage. Finally, we assess the need for knowledge generation at the science-policy interface.
Focuses on positive tipping points in technology, the economy and society. It provides a framework for understanding and acting on positive tipping points. We highlight illustrative case studies across energy, food and transport and mobility systems, with a focus on demand-side solutions (which have previously received limited attention).
Elena Verdolini, Charlie Wilson, Felix Creutzig, Luis Martinez, Raphaela Maier, Viktoria Spaiser
Elena Verdolini, Charlie Wilson, Felix Creutzig, Luis Martinez, Raphaela Maier, Viktoria Spaiser
Digital technologies have the potential to support decarbonisation and promote positive tipping points in all sectors and countries. Digitalisation has many possible applications that can accelerate socio-economic transformations towards a post-carbon, regenerative society. Taking three examples from earlier sector analyses – teleworking, Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and smart homes – we show that establishing supportive systemic structures and action to limit rebound effects are needed to harness the positive impact potential of digital technologies. These systemic structures rely on targeted regulations and public policy to establish enabling conditions and avoid the risk of unsustainable impacts. Digital technologies can act as multipliers of change because they can unlock and promote broader economic and social benefits alongside efficiency gains.