Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
8-2014
Abstract
Recently, Early Warning Signals (EWS) have been developed to predict tipping points in Earth Systems. This discussion highlights the potential to apply EWS to human social and economic systems, which may also undergo similar critical transitions. Social tipping points are particularly difficult to predict, however, and the current formulation of EWS, based on a physical system analogy, may be insufficient. As an alternative set of EWS for social systems, we join with other authors encouraging a focus on heterogeneity, connectivity through social networks and individual thresholds to change.
Keywords
Paleoecology, Research synergies, Ecological breakdown, Paleoclimatology, Social collapse
Discipline
Environmental Policy | Environmental Sciences
Research Areas
Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
Publication
Frontiers in Environmental Science
Volume
2
First Page
1
Last Page
7
ISSN
2296-665X
Identifier
10.3389/fenvs.2014.00035
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Citation
Bentley, R.A.; Maddison, E.; Ranner, P.; Bissell, J.; Caiado, C.; Bhatanacharoen, P.; CLARK, Timothy Adrian Robert; Botha M.; Akinbami F.; Hollow M.; Michie R.; Huntley B.; Curtis S.; and Garnett P..
Social tipping points and Earth systems dynamics. (2014). Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2, 1-7.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/6269
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2014.00035