With continued climate change, elements of the Earth system may reach tipping points—abrupt, dramatic changes with irreversible consequences—like the rapid collapse of ice sheets or dieback of the Amazon rainforest. Tipping points also exist in human systems: devastation from extreme weather and major stresses on food, energy, and water could accumulate and tilt society into a radically different state with new dynamics, including mass migration or major economic shifts. However, tipping points in human systems can also be positive and stem from rapidly spreading norms, behaviors, and technologies, such as how battery storage could tip the power sector irreversibly towards renewable energy. Laurie Goering (Thomson Reuters Foundation) will moderate a conversation between Ilona M. Otto (University of Graz) and Rachael Shwom (Rutgers University) about the tipping points we are approaching, how to prepare for those we may reach, and how to encourage positive social tipping points for action on climate change.

The conversation will be a webcast on the Climate Conversations: Tipping Points webpage and Closed captioning will be provided. The conversation will include questions from the audience and will be recorded and available to view on the page after the event.