Anyone who dives into the world of tipping points quickly wonders why they aren’t making front-page news every day. As of now, we stand at a crossroads: while climate tipping points loom, there is growing evidence that we can also trigger positive tipping points—shifts that accelerate systemic change for the better. But what does it take to tip the balance in the right direction? In this special edition of our Tipping Points series, Tim Lenton explores the power of social and environmental tipping points to drive meaningful change. From the rapid transition to renewable energy to the rise of plant-based diets, there are many examples that show how small actions can trigger large-scale transformations. But how do these positive tipping points work? And how do we set them in motion? Join us as we explore how to move from crises to opportunities and get ready to reflect on your role in it.
About the speaker
Professor Tim Lenton is the founding director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter and lead author of the 2008 paper that formally introduced the idea of tipping points within the Earth’s climate system. Lenton has received numerous academic awards for his groundbreaking work on climate change. Known for his expertise on ecological as well as social tipping points, Lenton’s research explores how small changes can lead to large-scale, irreversible shifts. Not only in ecosystems, but also in human behaviour.
Janne Schra is a multidisciplinary artist from Amsterdam, known for her work as a singer, songwriter, and painter. She rose to fame as the frontwoman of Room Eleven, achieving international success and multiple gold and platinum records. Since 2010, she has released five solo albums and earned an Edison Jazz Award in 2022 with her band De Vogels. Her career is marked by diverse collaborations—with artists like M. Ward and Benny Sings, and orchestras such as Metropole Orkest—and recordings in studios across the world. Janne Schra is currently working on a new album with guitarist Laurens Radstake, recorded in Paris with French producers Albin de la Simone and Raphaël Chassi.
Nina Hertoghs will represent Scientist Rebellion Netherlands, a collective of scientists and academics committed to non-violent civil disobedience in response to the climate crisis. The group seeks to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and political action by taking to the streets, disrupting business-as-usual, and calling on institutions to act in line with climate science.
