In climate science Tipping Point refers to a number of earth’s systems that, if crossed, can lead to a cascading effect of irreversible changes. Since the pre-industrial period the earth’s global average temperature has increased rapidly, mostly due to the burning of fossil fuels. Scientists are agreed that this increase is responsible for erratic weather systems such as increased precipitation in some areas and long-term drought in others.

Earth Boundaries refers to nine processes that are critical for maintaining the life systems that humans have thrived within over the last 10,000 years. They are interrelated and interpependent. Human activities are causing mass extinctions leading to a loss of genetic diversity in animals and plants. Other boundaries crossed are atmospheric pollution, chemical pollution, ocean acidification, climate change, and land system change particularly deforestation. Nitrogen and phosphorus are two elements fundamental to life and the altered flow of these in land and water have been markedly altered by agriculture and industry, having a profound effect on ecosystems.