Positive Tipping Points
A tipping point occurs when a change in a system becomes self-reinforcing, building momentum towards widespread, and often irreversible, impacts.
This way of thinking can help us understand systems change as a non-linear process, in which it can appear as though very little progress is being made, before a seemingly rapid and sudden transformation. In reality, the work that goes into creating the enabling conditions for change is just as important as the moment of tipping.
The University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute, alongside others, has been pioneering research into tipping points in Earth Systems, including melting glaciers and ocean current collapse. More attention is now being directed at political, technological, and social systems.
These resources offer a comprehensive insight into the potential for positive tipping points, where rapid and vital change can occur in our attempts to respond to the interconnected crises we face.
The Positive Tipping Points Toolkit
The Positive Tipping Points Toolkit exists to make working with complex systems more accessible, rewarding, and collaborative.
At its simplest point, the Toolkit is a collection of tools which can be used to bring Positive Tipping Points to life, and apply the framework to your work for change.
But a list of tools can be overwhelming, so the Toolkit is also a map for navigating complex systems change, for yourself or others.
Positive Tipping Points in Practice
To support organisations, groups and individuals to apply the growing research into tipping points into their work, the Positive Tipping Points Community of Practice is an open monthly online space where we work through real-life examples of applying PTPs in practice.
All are welcome to join, view our upcoming events to find out more.
The Global Tipping Points Report
This report brings together the latest research on tipping points – both positive and negative, with contributions from 160 authors, from 23 countries and 87 institutions.
It consolidates knowledge on how to govern Earth system tipping points, the risks they pose, and the opportunities presented by understanding and acting on positive tipping points.
The Positive Tipping Points Playbook
Released in September 2026, this report from The Earthshot Prize and the University of Exeter’s Green Futures Solutions team reveals 51 environmental solutions that can trigger rapid and transformative change to repair our planet within the next five years.