Risks and challenges under approaching climate tipping points and governance recommendations

Climate tipping points represent critical thresholds at which Earth’s climate subsystems undergo abrupt transitions, characterized by irreversibility, self-perpetuation, and complex interconnections, posing severe challenges to global climate governance. This study systematically elucidates the scientific implications and key features of climate tipping points, with a focus on analyzing the multifaceted risks triggered by their activation, including climatic physical risks, socio-economic systemic risks, and national security risks. To address these challenges, the research proposes a governance framework centered on “preventing abrupt changes—maintaining resilience—actively adapting”, emphasizing pathways such as enhanced monitoring and early warning, cultivating new quality productive forces, and constructing a global co-governance architecture to strengthen capacity in responding to tipping point breaches. This study provides decision-making support for improving China’s climate adaptation framework and fortifying the ecological security barrier for a Beautiful China, holding strategic significance for advancing ecological civilization and achieving high-quality development.