Session B: Tipping Points - Understanding values for ecosystem stocks and tipping points
This aim of this session was to consider limitations of current understanding and application and identify future needs from research and through implementation. Panel members from different disciplines and sectors set the scene and raise questions and challenges.
Chair: Louise Heathwaite, Lancaster University
How do we define and detect tipping points and how frequent are they?
Rosie Hails, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
- Charles Godfray, University of Oxford
- Julian Harlow, Defra
- Jasper Kenter, Scottish Association for Marine Science
- Bruce Wilson, Scottish Wildlife Trust
Summary Points
It’s complicated – the asset-benefit relationship is not a simple X,Y graph (which is a good comms tool) but a chain of evidence.
Future: need to develop chains that combine environmental with social and political processes as the trigger of an abrupt change may emanate from any of these spheres.
Early Warning Indicators need to continue development but the precautionary approach may be the best current option.