What are tipping points and what do they mean for our planet and our ecosystems on land and in the water? What causes these sudden changes, and how can society be better prepared for such events? Maria Armoudian discusses the phenomenon that is tipping points with Peter Ward, Simon Thrush, and George Perry.

Peter Ward is a Professor of Paleontology and Biology at the Earth and Space Sciences Department of the University of Washington, Seattle. He is the co-author of Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe.

Simon Thrush is a Professor of Marine Science and Head of the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He has written extensively on the ecology of coastal and marine ecosystems.

George Perry is a Professor at the School of Environment at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He studies the effects of humans on forest ecosystems.

Podcast:

 

This interview originally aired on the Scholars’ Circle. To access our archive of episodes and download this interview, click here.

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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the guests and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

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