Tipping points in the Earth system are often portrayed as ominous, abrupt shifts that could significantly alter life on Earth. While this reflects the seriousness of the science, the framing can also create confusion and discourage action. This webinar will explore how climate tipping points are communicated, with a focus on making these complex scientific concepts accessible and meaningful for a range of audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider public.
The event brings together experts to reflect on current knowledge, communication challenges, and opportunities to strengthen understanding of tipping point risks in the Earth system.
Join us for a discussion examining how language shapes perception of climate risks, and how more careful, evidence-based communication can improve clarity without oversimplifying. The webinar will also address the challenges of doom-laden narratives, and consider how communication can support engagement, agency, and constructive responses to climate risks.
Agenda:
- Susan Escott (communication specialist): Talking about tipping points
- Katrina Mac Neill (UK Met Office): An up-HILL Battle: Building consensus on terminology of high impact climate events and tipping points
- Followed by a moderated discussion with Gabi Hegerl (University of Edinburgh)
A recording of the webinar will be made available afterwards.
The Tipping points discussion series supports efforts to increase consistency in the treatment of tipping elements in the scientific community, develop a research agenda, and design joint experiments and ideas for a Tipping Element Model Intercomparison Project (TipMip). It is a joint activity of the Analysis, Integration, and Modeling of the Earth System (AIMES) global research project of Future Earth, the Earth Commission Working Group 1 Earth and Human Systems Intercomparison Modelling Project (EHSMIP) under the Global Commons Alliance, and the Safe Landing Climates Light House Activity of World Climate Research Program (WCRP).
IIASA co-hosts the scientific secretariat of Working Group 1 of the Earth Commission and is one of the organizers of these events.
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