Social tipping points

In the debate on climate change, we often talk about tipping points - those decisive influencing factors that make changes exponential. But tipping points are not only found in environmental science. Social tipping points also occur in our society.

 

Social tipping points are events through which a society or a system suddenly and fundamentally changes - often triggered by a committed minority. It is usually the reaction to a crisis or a particular challenge that causes an idea or movement to suddenly gain momentum and bring about a decisive change.

 

One example of a domino effect that has led to an understanding within our society that climate protection is existential is the global movement of Fridays For Future International. Initially inspired by a single person - Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, this movement has mobilized millions of people around the world to protest and strike for more climate action. This has increased the political and social pressure on governments to take the climate crisis seriously and act.

 

 

"The climate currency ECO (Earth Carbon Obligation) could become

such a social tipping point:

 

a turning point for the way we think about consumption, climate protection

and the value of resources.

It rewards climate-friendly behaviour

and thus increases the pressure on industry to decarbonize."

 

 

The model originates from the NPO SaveClimate.Earth e.V. and is supported by climate scientist Professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, among others. It is based on an innovative approach, 

to introduce a complementary resource currency as a CO2 equivalent. This is capable of seamlessly recording the CO2 footprint of all products and services, mapping it transparently and billing it fairly. The ECO climate price is paid with the personal emissions budget, which all citizens receive free of charge and in the same amount as an ecological basic income.

 

The resource currency model shows how the purchasing decisions of the masses of consumers can influence the transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energies. Because if enough people opt for more sustainable consumption, this social dynamic can lead to a collective change of direction in society. 

 

Find out more at: www.saveclimate.earth