Critical Transitions in Nature and Society van Marten Scheffer is an English-language textbook that provides insight into critical transitions in complex systems. This book is intended for students and professionals interested in dynamical systems and natural and societal tipping points.
The focus is on explaining and predicting sudden, far-reaching changes—the tipping points—when systems abruptly switch. Scheffer clearly describes the underlying dynamical systems theory, with attention to catastrophe theory, bifurcations, and chaos. Illustrations from ecosystems, climate, evolution, and human societies provide concrete examples of critical transitions.
This book offers practical insights into predicting tipping points and managing transitions to prevent negative consequences or encourage positive change. Complete with an extensive appendix containing equations, it is a valuable reference work for environmental scientists and other scientific disciplines.
Features:
• Accessible explanation of dynamical systems theory
• Case studies from nature and society
• Strategies for dealing with tipping points
• Includes detailed appendices with formulas
An authoritative work on critical transitions that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applicability, written by an expert in the field of ecology and complex systems.