From Critical Transitions to Sustainability Transformations: Phenomena, Theory, and Applications Across Disciplines

Abstract

There has been a recent surge in the use of terms describing systemic change processes across science, policy, and public debate. The associated change phenomena are often assumed to be abrupt and irreversible once critical thresholds are crossed. However, the interchangeable use of terms leaves definitions and the underpinning scientific theory unclear, which can lead to misconceptions about transition processes and potential impacts. Here, we present selected empirical examples representing phenomena of tipping points, regime shifts, critical transitions, phase transitions, social and socio-technical transitions, and sustainability transformations, together with their underlying theory derived from the broadly defined domains of physics and mathematics, Earth science and ecology, social sciences, and their interdisciplinary overlaps. We bring these fields into closer conversation, creating a shared understanding of each of the conceptual roots, phenomena, mechanisms, and specific applications. This can help steward the governance of social-ecological change towards more just and sustainable futures.