Urgency under uncertainty: Acting on negative and positive tipping points

Tipping points in the Earth system have been an important topic in climate research for the last couple of decades. Numerous systems are thought to have non-linear dynamics, such that a slow linear external forcing on them can cause large, irreversible changes that have serious consequences for the climate. Recently, the concept of ‘positive’ societal tipping points has been considered to combat the global climate crisis. Social systems that exhibit these behaviours can promote a more environmentally conscious society with considered interventions. This commentary responds to recent analysis of how negative climate tipping points and positive tipping points are framed in public debate by asking what these framings mean for prediction and decision-making. I argue that highlighting movement toward positive tipping points can spur action because governments often have greater domestic leverage and the faster timescales make progress visible on policy horizons.