To address the climate catastrophe, positive tipping points must be activated across many sectors and levels of society. Positive tipping points are transformative shifts or activities that can result in broad and long-term environmental benefits.
Researchers believe that positive tipping points must be activated if we are to prevent the grave repercussions of harmful Earth system tipping points. With global warming on track to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, at least five Earth system tipping points are expected to be reached – and more may follow.
Earth system tipping points, if activated, would have substantial local and global consequences, including sea-level rise from major ice sheet melting, mass species extinction from Amazon rainforest dieback, and disturbance to weather patterns from a breakdown of large-scale ocean circulation currents.
Under the correct enabling conditions, such as affordability, attractiveness and accessibility, Norway have managed to transition the market share of electric vehicles from under 10% to near 90% within a decade.
Tim Lenton
According to the new commentary, which was published in One Earth by researchers from the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute, positive tipping points must be triggered to help achieve the requisite levels of decarbonization.
“One reason for hope is that many of the tipping thresholds that are likely to be crossed first are so-called slow tipping systems, which can be briefly exceeded without a commitment to tipping,” Dr. Paul Ritchie, the primary author of the study, said.
“However, rapid decarbonisation that minimises the distance of any overshoot and — even more importantly – limits the time spent beyond a threshold is critical for avoiding triggering climate tipping points.”
By triggering positive tipping points in these areas and others, it is possible to create a momentum that contributes to solving the climate crisis. It requires a collective effort from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to drive meaningful change and transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Dr. Abrams went on to say: “One mechanism for achieving the rapid decarbonisation levels required is ironically through positive tipping points, moments when beneficial changes rapidly gain momentum.”
The research team cites sales of electric automobiles, notably in Scandinavia, as proof of human systems’ propensity to demonstrate positive tipping points.
Tim Lenton, professor of electrical engineering, said: “Under the correct enabling conditions, such as affordability, attractiveness and accessibility, Norway have managed to transition the market share of electric vehicles from under 10% to near 90% within a decade.”
