Tipping points webinar series: Navigating tipping points: Definitions and implications for climate science

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.

This installment of the series will explore whether a unified, precise definition of the term "tipping points" is necessary and what it should look like. Additionally, participants will discuss the broad application of "tipping points" across disciplines, from climate dynamics to societal impacts, and consider if more specific terms might better capture these phenomena. In addition, the effectiveness of "tipping points" in public communication and its impact on public understanding and decision-making will be evaluated.

Join us as we delve into these critical questions and seek to clarify the role of tipping points in climate science and communication.

Presentations

• Vasilis Dakos (University of Montpellier) 
• Sebastian Bathiany (TU Munich) How should scientists define "tipping point", and should they even care?
• Robert Kopp (Rutgers University) Can climate tipping points be usefully defined?
• Q&A/ Discussion 

The session will be moderated by Elisabeth Krueger from the University of Amsterdam.

Please click here to register

A recording will be available after the event.