Defining Critical Transitions

In this episode, Prof. Marten Scheffer from Wageningen University & Research explains critical transitions and tipping points, from shallow lakes and coral reefs to tropical rainforests. Together with host Dr. Volker Hahn, he explores whether local tipping points can be scaled up to a biospheric planetary boundary, and how uncertainty shapes our understanding and communication. Scheffer explains why he believes the concept of tipping points remains relevant for policy and management—even when we do not know where they lie.

Related links:

Marten Scheffer on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marten_Scheffer

“Critical Transitions in Nature and Society”, Marten Scheffer’s influential book from 2009: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400833276/html

Two influential planetary boundary papers co-authored by Marten Scheffer “A safe operating space for humanity” (2009) https://www.nature.com/articles/461472a “Safe and just Earth system boundaries” (2023) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06083-8

“Tipping out of Trouble”, Marten Scheffer’s new book: https://www.cambridge.org/tc/universitypress/subjects/history/global-history/tipping-out-trouble-how-societies-transformed-and-how-we-can-do-so-again

Host: Dr. Volker Hahn, Head of Media and Communications at iDiv Postproduction: Leven Wortmann