What is a climate tipping point, and how do we know when we’re getting close to one? On Episode 3 of Not Cool, Ariel talks to Dr. Tim Lenton, Professor and Chair in Earth System Science and Climate Change at the University of Exeter and Director of the Global Systems Institute. Tim explains the shifting system dynamics that underlie phenomena like glacial retreat and the disruption of monsoons, as well as their consequences. He also discusses how to deal with low certainty/high stakes risks, what types of policies we most need to be implementing, and how humanity’s unique self-awareness impacts our relationship with the Earth.

Topics discussed include:

Climate tipping points: impacts, warning signals

Evidence that climate is nearing tipping point?

IPCC warming targets

Risk management under uncertainty

Climate policies

Human tipping points: social, economic, technological

The Gaia Hypothesis