I completely agree with your "past a critical tipping point . . . " A few years ago I taught 8th grade science and assigned research topic of climate change. I provided a wealth of references including sub - subjects such as "Positive Feedback Loop" etc. . . . stopped doing that for two reasons: 1: We no longer have an 8th grade 2: assigning this research project to the 7th graders is just do depressing as a few of them actually "get it." Very scary.

@NoMagicCookie I am very angry and frustrated with the human race right now. Just thinking about it makes me mad !

@Lyndie I completely agree but not all of us are to blame - - Just those that trust faith (belief without evidence) over science based facts (Republicans, Christians, etc. . . ) Learned that half of all the wealth in the United states is in the hands of 40 people. I don't understand how people with those resources strive to advance their own wealth at the expense of our world environment rather then actually promote behaviour that would have slowed the ominous outcomes of our forthcoming industry prompted environmental apocalypse .

@NoMagicCookie the mega-wealthy are not really motivated by the money anymore. They like keeping score amongst themselves but what they really want at the root of all of it is to feel superior. The more hopeless the rest of society is, the more they pat themselves on the back and think that they must be prime specimens to be so much better than the rest of us. Ironically , it is also what motivates the republican followers. Religion, gay bashing and shaming others is the easiest way for the small minded to feel superior to others without having to earn it.

@Lyndie Money yields power. To feel superior they desire power over others. Yes, in their case, power (supported by money) is their goal. Think this also applies to the tRumplicans. power to the (what the imagine they are).