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Contribute or suggest an example
We warmly welcome all contributions to the database! Please use the links below to contribute an example of a generic type of regime shift, a specific case study of a particular regime shift, or to suggest a potential regime shift or case study for future inclusion.
Add Regime Shift
These are generic descriptions of types of regime shifts that have been observed at multiple locations or case studies (e.g. eutrophication). They can also include unique large scale subcontinental or global regime shifts (e.g. collapse of the Greenland ice sheet). We suggest filling out the description offline using the Regime Shift Template, and then copying and pasting the details into the online form.
Add Case Study
These are specific examples of regime shifts in particular places or case studies (e.g. eutrophication in the Baltic Sea). We suggest filling out the description offline using the Case Study Template, and then copying and pasting the details into the online form.
Suggest a Regime Shift or Case Study
Please let us know if you have suggestions for potential regime shifts or case studies to be included – e.g. if you are unable to write them up yourself, or are unsure if they fit. You are also welcome to contact us with questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Contribute or suggest an example
We warmly welcome all contributions to the database! Please use the links below to contribute an example of a generic type of regime shift, a specific case study of a particular regime shift, or to suggest a potential regime shift or case study for future inclusion.
Add Regime Shift
These are generic descriptions of types of regime shifts that have been observed at multiple locations or case studies (e.g. eutrophication). They can also include unique large scale subcontinental or global regime shifts (e.g. collapse of the Greenland ice sheet). We suggest filling out the description offline using the Regime Shift Template, and then copying and pasting the details into the online form.
Add Case Study
These are specific examples of regime shifts in particular places or case studies (e.g. eutrophication in the Baltic Sea). We suggest filling out the description offline using the Case Study Template, and then copying and pasting the details into the online form.
Suggest a Regime Shift or Case Study
Please let us know if you have suggestions for potential regime shifts or case studies to be included – e.g. if you are unable to write them up yourself, or are unsure if they fit. You are also welcome to contact us with questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Further reading
Biggs R, Blenckner T, Folke C, Gordon L, Norström A, Nyström M & Peterson GD. 2011. Regime Shifts. In: Sourcebook in Theoretical Ecology. Hastings A & Gross L (eds). University of California Press, Berkeley.
May RM, Levin SA, Sugihara G. 2008. Ecology for Bankers. Nature 451, 893-895.
Scheffer M. 2009. Critical transitions in Nature and Society. Princeton University Press.
Scheffer M, Carpenter SR, Foley JA, Folke C & Walker BH. 2001. Catastrophic shifts in ecosystems. Nature 413, 591-596.
Online resources:
Regime Shifts: What are they and why do they matter? http://www.regimeshifts.org/datasets-resources/details/15/26
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regime_shift
Resilience Alliance Thresholds Database: http://www.resalliance.org/index.php/thresholds_database
What is a regime shift?
We define regime shifts as large, persistent changes in the structure and function of social-ecological systems, with substantive impacts on the suite of ecosystem services provided by these systems. Better understanding of regime shifts is important as they may have substantial impacts on human economies, societies and well-being, and are often difficult to anticipate and costly to reverse.
About the Regime Shifts Database
The Regime Shifts DataBase is an initiative led by the Stockholm Resilience Centre to review and synthesize examples of different types of regime shifts that have been documented in social-ecological systems. The database focuses specifically on regime shifts that have large impacts on ecosystem services and human well-being. The aim is to provide a high-quality, descriptive, open-source information resource for students, lecturers, ecosystem managers and researchers, and for future assessment activities such as IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services).
The information in the database is based on assessment and synthesis of the literature, and the description of each regime shift is reviewed by an expert prior to publishing it online wherever possible. The information is intended to provide a general descriptive overview of different regime shifts and point to resources for more detailed information.
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Regime Shifts DataBase
The Regime Shifts DataBase provides examples of different types of regime shifts that have been documented in social-ecological systems. The database focuses specifically on regime shifts that have large impacts on ecosystem services, and therefore on human well-being.
