Global
Tipping
Points

Welcome

Global Tipping Points is led by Professor Tim Lenton from the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute with the support of more than 200 researchers from over 90 organisations in 26 countries.

The Global Tipping Points Report was launched at COP28 on 6 December 2023. The report is an authoritative assessment of the risks and opportunities of both negative and positive tipping points in the Earth system and society.

Foreword by Dr. Andrew Steer, President & CEO at Bezos Earth Fund.

Introduction

Summary Report

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.

Introduction

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.

Section 1: Earth System Tipping Points

Section 1
Earth system tipping points

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.

Section 2: Tipping point impacts

Section 2
Tipping point impacts

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.

Section 3: Governance of Earth System Tipping Points

Section 3
Governance of Earth system 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.

Section 4: Positive tipping points in technology, economy and society

Section 4
Positive tipping points in technology, economy & society

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.

Global Tipping Point Pathways infographic

Click to enlarge, or download as PDF

Downloads

Key messages

160kb

Key recommendations

280kb

Summary Report

2.6mb

Full Report

78mb

Introduction

1.8mb

Section 1

45mb

Section 2

6mb

Section 3

4mb

Section 4

5mb

Bezos Earth Fund University of Exeter logo
Earth Commission Systems Change Lab logo Systemiq logo
Global Tipping Points logo
Tipping Points Chatbot
Share this content
Top