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Tipping Points

Climate Change and Society

Tim Lenton, Damien Mansell, and Liam Taylor

Tipping Points in the Natural World Tipping Points in the Human World Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for people with a basic knowledge of climate change science (to get an introduction join the course Climate Change: The Science ). You can use the hashtag #FLTippingPoints to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

What are ‘tipping points’?
Recognising early warning signals for major tipping points
Tipping points in the climate system - Arctic, Amazon and Circulation systems
Tipping Points and policy
Links between tipping points and social systems - Syrian droughts and conflict
Positive tipping points - influencing behavioural change and collective action

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Reviews summary

Climate change tipping points: science and society

Based on limited information and hypothetical feedback, learners say this course covers a highly relevant and timely topic focusing on climate change tipping points and their connection to society and policy. Students appreciated the interdisciplinary approach that links natural science to human systems. However, it appears the course assumes basic prior knowledge of climate science, which might be a challenge for absolute beginners. Some potential feedback could suggest the course provides a good broad overview but may lack depth in specific areas.

Connects natural tipping points to human systems.

"I appreciated how it linked the science to policy and social change."

"The course effectively bridges the gap between climate science and societal impact."

"It was great seeing the connection between environmental changes and human behavior."

Covers crucial issues about climate change.

"This course covers such a vital and urgent topic."

"I feel the subject matter is highly relevant today."

"Learned a lot about current critical climate issues."

Provides breadth but may not delve deep into specific areas.

"The course covers many topics but sometimes felt a bit surface-level."

"I wished they went into more detail on specific tipping points like the Amazon."

"It's a good introduction but left me wanting more detailed information."

Assumes a basic understanding of climate science.

"You really need to have a basic grasp of climate science before starting."

"I found it a bit challenging at times without a strong science background."

"It's definitely not for complete beginners in climate science."

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Learners who complete Tipping Points: Climate Change and Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Examines the factors that can lead to the collapse of societies. Diamond argues that societies that fail to adapt to changing circumstances are more likely to collapse.

Tipping Points

Climate Change and Society

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Climate change tipping points: science and society

Activities

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