Risks and challenges under approaching climate tipping points and governance recommendations

Authors

• Chengdong HUANG, Business School, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Xiangjiang Laboratory, Changsha 410205, ChinaFollow
• Xiaohong CHEN, Business School, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Xiangjiang Laboratory, Changsha 410205, China; School of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha 410205, ChinaFollow
• Zhifang ZHOU, Business School, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China

Keywords

tipping points, tipping elements, climate governance, Earth’s climate system

Abstract

Climate tipping points represent critical thresholds at which Earth’s climate subsystems undergo abrupt transitions, characterized by irreversibility, self-perpetuation, and complex interconnections, posing severe challenges to global climate governance. This study systematically elucidates the scientific implications and key features of climate tipping points, with a focus on analyzing the multifaceted risks triggered by their activation, including climatic physical risks, socio-economic systemic risks, and national security risks. To address these challenges, the research proposes a governance framework centered on “preventing abrupt changes—maintaining resilience—actively adapting”, emphasizing pathways such as enhanced monitoring and early warning, cultivating new quality productive forces, and constructing a global co-governance architecture to strengthen capacity in responding to tipping point breaches. This study provides decision-making support for improving China’s climate adaptation framework and fortifying the ecological security barrier for a Beautiful China, holding strategic significance for advancing ecological civilization and achieving high-quality development.

First page

804

Last Page

815

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

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Recommended Citation

HUANG, Chengdong; CHEN, Xiaohong; and ZHOU, Zhifang (2026) "Risks and challenges under approaching climate tipping points and governance recommendations," Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version): Vol. 41 : Iss. 4 , Article 17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3724/j.issn.1000-3045.20251216004
Available at: https://bulletinofcas.researchcommons.org/journal/vol41/iss4/17