A new Perspective in Science Bulletin argues that the problem is not simply a shortage of clean technologies, weak political will or inadequate climate models. This continuous feedback means that climate change is not an external disturbance imposed on society; it is part of a co-evolving climate–social system. The second state, “strong coupling,” has a deliberately different meaning from the usual interpretation of decoupling in climate discussions. The authors argue that making this framework operational will require more than attaching social variables to existing climate models. Subject of Research: Climate–society systems, climate governance, economic development and carbon-emissions trajectoriesArticle Title: Climate and society as one: A (de)coupling future for escalating climate challengesWeb References: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2026.03.026References: Science Bulletin, DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2026.03.026Image Credits: © Science BulletinKeywords: climate change, carbon dioxide emissions, climate governance, Environmental Kuznets Curve, economic development, strong coupling, weak coupling, de-coupling, integrated assessment models, social–ecological systems, just transition, new-energy vehicles