A tipping point is an inflection point in the process of social, economic or environmental change, marked by a relatively sudden shift from a steady and incremental state of change to an accelerated and uncontrollable rate of change. It is often referred to as a threshold, "critical mass" or "threshold effect". A tipping point can also be seen as an event that triggers a cascade of subsequent events and potentially create a lasting shift in the systemic dynamics of the environment and society.

See also: exponential growth, carbon pulse, fossil fuel, climate change, population growth