Tipping points webinar series: Reducing barriers to positive social tipping points

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.

Positive social tipping points, moments when small actions trigger large-scale societal change, can drive transformations toward sustainability. However, these tipping points can be slowed, weakened, or even blocked. Understanding these dampening effects is critical for designing strategies that reduce resistance and accelerate change. This discussion will bring together experts to examine examples and how science and policy can address them.

Agenda

• Iain Black (University of Strathclyde): Introduction and framing
• Gerard Hastings (University of Stirling): Case study on tobacco control and public health campaigning (exploring a contested, longitudinal campaign to tip social systems and avoid shallow outcomes)
• Stewart Kirkpatrick: Lesson from digital campaigning
• These presentations will be followed by a moderated discussion by Amira Mukendi (University of Strathclyde), who will also bring in seed examples from fashion and social media.

Please click here to register

A recording will be available after the event.