Critical transitions in nature and society

How do we explain the remarkably abrupt changes that sometimes occur in nature and society-and can we predict why and when they happen? This book offers a comprehensive introduction to critical transitions in complex systems-the radical changes that happen at tipping points when thresholds are passed. Marten Scheffer accessibly describes the dynamical systems theory behind critical transitions, covering catastrophe theory, bifurcations, chaos, and more. He gives examples of critical transitions in lakes, oceans, terrestrial ecosystems, climate, evolution, and human societies. And he demonstrates how to deal with these transitions, offering practical guidance on how to predict tipping points, how to prevent…