4.6 Risks, equity and justice in the governance of positive tipping points

Summary

Earth system tipping points pose existential threats to current and future generations. Those least responsible for causing them are often most at risk. Positive tipping points (PTPs) have the potential to beneficially transform societies, but they carry their own risks. positive tipping points should not perpetuate or create unjust or inequitable outcomes. For example, in our urgency to transition to electric vehicles, the demand for more cobalt and lithium to produce batteries should not come at the expense of creating sacrifice zones and destroying communities elsewhere in the world. Consideration of what needs to change, who is being asked to change, where the change or its impacts will be felt, and by whom, are fundamental questions that require a level of reflexivity and systemic understanding in positive tipping point governance and other decision making. 

All actors have a role to play in ensuring that risks, justice, equity and ethics are carefully considered prior to and during interventions. Enabling positive tipping points for radical transformation could benefit from more diverse perspectives to open up solutions, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of marginalised voices. Taking a precautionary and systemic approach to positive tipping interventions and stepping back to explore all options, not just those appearing to offer a quick fix, should help ensure more socially just and environmentally sustainable outcomes.