Tipping Points, Cascading Impacts, and Interacting Risks in the Earth System

Earth is a complex system, with myriad interactions and feedbacks among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, as well as the people, institutions, and technologies that respond to and influence these dynamics. A systems-based approach to scientific research can yield understanding across all aspects of Earth's interconnected processes. Earth systems studies rest on careful analyses of physical, chemical, biological, and behavioral processes and their interactions and feedbacks; these studies are supported by observational platforms, laboratory and modeling facilities, a skilled scientific workforce, and the cyberinfrastructure that connects them to enable new breakthroughs.

This workshop was organized to explore the approaches to Earth systems science through the lens of a critical topic - tipping points - and to cultivate cross-disciplinary collaborations and prime new research communities to discuss examples of research needs in a broader context of Earth systems science. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop.

Table of Contents

Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 Historical Analysis of Past Biogeophysical and Social Tipping Points 3 Regional Perspectives on Climate Tipping Points and Cascading Risk 4 Examples of Interdisciplinary Research Priorities and Opportunities 5 Workshop Synthesis, Themes, and Closing Thoughts References Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: Statement of Task Appendix C: Planning Committee Biographies