Among Climate Scientists, a Dispute Over ‘Tipping Points’ - NYTimes.com

Environmentalists and some climate experts are increasingly warning of impending tipping points in their efforts to stir public concern. The term confers a sense of immediacy and menace to potential threats from a warming climate — dangers that otherwise might seem too distant for people to worry about.

But other scientists say there is little hard evidence to back up specific predictions of catastrophe. They worry that the use of the term “tipping point” can be misleading and could backfire, fueling criticism of alarmism and threatening public support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Twitter / Scott

Well, lights back on. Most of the neighborhood stayed lit. Even those houses that were unoccupied or the people were outside. #earthhour