Recent research results highlight the importance of rapid and non-linear social change processes, in which certain social norms, behaviors, and technologies spread rapidly from a minority group to the majority of a society. This process is described in the literature by terms such as social tipping points and positive socio-ecological tipping points. In both natural and social systems, a tipping point occurs when change in part of a system becomes self-perpetuating beyond a threshold, leading to substantial, widespread, frequently abrupt and often irreversible impact. Tipping points and tipping interactions are essential for understanding the co-evolution of the global World-Earth system, understood as the system of interacting human societies and the environment.
An emerging research question is how rapid social change dynamics could be used to navigate human societies to the net-zero emissions system, that is a part of the broader transformation needed for a sustainable future. Building resilience - the capacity to absorb disturbances, reorganize, and continue functioning in the face of change - in social-ecological systems is particularly important as we face increasing climate-related challenges and uncertainties. Regenerative systems go a step further by not only sustaining but actively improving and renewing the resources they use. In the context of World-Earth systems, this could mean restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and creating positive feedback loops that support both human and planetary health. The integration of net zero goals, resilience-building strategies, and regenerative approaches could lead to transformative changes in how human societies interact with the Earth system.
Social tipping points can play a crucial role in accelerating the necessary global transformation towards a resilient and regenerative future. For instance, rapid shifts in public opinion or policy could trigger widespread implementation of regenerative agricultural practices, circular economy principles, or community-based resilience initiatives.
We welcome contributions presenting empirical evidence and case studies of positive tipping dynamics as well as conceptual and methodological contributions advancing the understanding of tipping points and tipping interactions. We also welcome policy and stakeholder-oriented contributions on leverage points and tipping interventions navigating the transition to regenerative and resilient world-Earth systems.