Global Tipping Points
About the Collection
The planetary crisis is disrupting the delicate balance of our world’s natural systems. In this critical decade to restore our world, ‘tipping points’ will define our future.
This collection on Open Planet, curated in partnership with the University of Exeter, brings together compelling content to tell the story of global tipping points – showing the major causes and impacts of the planetary crisis, as well as the solutions driving positive change.
The power of storytelling
Our collection of high-quality footage, data visualisations and expert interviews can support new storytelling on global tipping points and action to restore our world.
ExploreWhat are tipping points?
Globally, we depend on healthy natural systems for food, water, shelter and other resources vital to our survival. However, climate change and nature loss could soon trigger harmful ‘tipping points’ in the natural world, leading to irreversible changes to our life support systems.
Research led by the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute shows more than 25 negative tipping points have been identified across the world, including forest dieback and permafrost thaw.
If just one tipping point is triggered, this could trigger others, creating a domino effect of destruction.
The immense impact would affect the environmental, economic, social and political systems that underpin our global society.
But there is hope.
The acceleration of solutions to restore our planet, such as the rise of renewable energy, can help combat these negative impacts. By harnessing positive tipping points, we can help to build a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future.
Hear from Professor Tim Lenton, Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science at the University of Exeter, as he explains the concept of tipping points. Interview clip available here.
Triggering global threats to humanity
Harmful tipping points pose the greatest threat for the future of our planet. Once triggered, we could expect significant impacts on our water, food, energy security, health, communities and economies.
These impacts will also disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities across the world, with knock-on consequences for global inequality.
At present rates of global warming, five major Earth systems are already at risk of crossing tipping points, including the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, and warm-water coral reefs.
While some tipping points may be unavoidable, by accelerating action to tackle root causes of the planetary crisis, we can reduce vulnerability and mitigate the worst impacts.
“We are running extraordinary existential risks with climate tipping points, but we’re also on the cusp of being able to seize the opportunity of tipping things in a different direction.”
— Professor Tim Lenton, Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science at the University of Exeter
The power of positive tipping points
Many of the solutions to restore our planet already exist, and in some cases, positive change is already happening.
For example, in 2023, renewable energy accounted for more than 30% of the world’s electricity for the first time, following a rapid rise in wind and solar power. This growth has led to renewables costing the same or less than fossil fuel generation.
Latest research shows that regulatory mandates from governments to switch from investing in fossil fuels to clean energy could reduce carbon emissions in the power, transport and heating sectors by at least 75% by 2050 – while also cutting costs for consumers. This could spark a cascade of positive tipping points.
Hear from Professor Tim Lenton as he explains the incredible potential of positive tipping points. Interview clip available here.
“If we can get behind triggering positive tipping points, we’ve got the chance to accelerate a healthier, more vibrant future for us all."
— Professor Tim Lenton, Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science at the University of Exeter
Securing a sustainable and equitable future
Without rapid, coordinated action from global leaders, negative tipping points will cause irreversible destruction. However, by unlocking the power of positive tipping points, we can create a cascade of change that drives a sustainable, equitable future.
In autumn 2024, a series of global events led by the UN will take place that provide crucial opportunities for international cooperation and collaboration on the planetary crisis. These include the UN General Assembly in New York, USA; the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia; and the UN COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Click to view some of the solutions footage available in this collection:
Help inspire change
Storytelling has a crucial role to play in raising awareness of the urgency and opportunity to protect and restore our planet. Explore and use footage from our Global Tipping Points collection to support impactful campaigns and communications.
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