The rate of environmental change as an important driver across scales in ecology

Global change has been predominantly studied from the prism of ‘how much' rather than fast' occurs. Associated to this, there a focus on environmental drivers crossing critical value and causing so‐called regime shifts. This presupposes that rate at which conditions is slow enough allow ecological entity remain close stable attractor (e.g. an equilibrium). However, occurring unprecedented rates. Equivalently classical shifts, theory shows threshold in rates can exist, cause rate‐induced tipping (R‐tipping). potential implications R‐tipping ecology understudied. We aim facilitate application with objective identifying properties level organisation) increase susceptibility change. First, we clarify fundamental difference between caused by magnitude as opposed threshold. Then present examples literature seek related higher sensitivity Specifically, consider role organisation, spatial processes, eco‐evolutionary dynamics pair–wise interactions mediating or buffering transitions. Finally, discuss how targeted experiments investigate mechanisms associated increasing Ultimately, highlight need better understand may induce responses systematic study context current global