In an earlier posting on iePEDIA (1 April 2013) we discussed the concept of a “Tipping Point,” and generally focused on critical moments in time when the earth’s warming may have irreversible and drastic adverse effects.  “Positive” tipping points are critical moments or periods when some action may have irreversible but positive effects on climate.

A general shift towards improving the climate could result from hastening the switch from reliance on fossil fuels to a reliance on clean non-carbon energy sources.  For such a shift to be effective, it would need to be supported by mandatory, governmental requirements for key sectors of the economy to decarbonize their operations.

Some examples of mandates to promote positive tripping points are phasing out coal power by a date certain in a set country; requirements for all new heating and cooling systems in a set area and by a set date to be electric powered; mandating all new vehicles to be powered by electricity.  For each such mandate, it would be even more positive if the government required all electricity to be powered by non-carbon sources, including solar and wind.

Some further ideas to explore on Positive Tipping Points:

Identify a positive tipping point in agriculture, and 3 steps that a government could take to support that positive tipping point.

Identify a positive tipping point in the energy sector, and 3 steps that a government could take to support that positive tipping point.

Identify a positive tipping point in residential building sector, and 3 steps that a government could take to support that positive tipping point.

Sources:

Damien Gayle, “Create ‘positive tipping points’ with climate mandates, governments urged,” The Guardian (23 Sept 2024).  bit.ly/3Bgl8NM

“Here’s what you need to know about positive climate tipping points” World Economic Forum (3 April 2023).  bit.ly/3XJnWuo

New study identifies ‘positive tipping points’ that can be leveraged to prevent the collapse of the Earth system, Earth Commission/Future Earth.   https://bit.ly/4eoJ14m