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Collapse, social tipping dynamics, and framing climate change

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Steel

    (8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

  • Kian Mintz-Woo

    (8795University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
    31362International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria)

  • C. Tyler DesRoches

    (Arizona State University, Arizona, USA)

Abstract

In this article, we claim that recent developments in climate science and renewable energy should prompt a reframing of debates surrounding climate change mitigation. Taken together, we argue that these developments suggest (1) global climate collapse in this century is a non-negligible risk, (2) mitigation offers substantial benefits to current generations, and (3) mitigation by some can generate social tipping dynamics that could ultimately make renewables cheaper than fossil fuels. We explain how these claims undermine familiar framings of climate change, wherein mitigation is understood as self-sacrifice that individuals and governments must be morally persuaded or incentivized to undertake.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Steel & Kian Mintz-Woo & C. Tyler DesRoches, 2024. "Collapse, social tipping dynamics, and framing climate change," Politics, Philosophy & Economics, , vol. 23(3), pages 230-251, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:pophec:v:23:y:2024:i:3:p:230-251
    DOI: 10.1177/1470594X231196432
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    References listed on IDEAS

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