Scientists are warning of a growing risk that the earth's climate could enter a "hothouse earth" scenario, with some indicating that accelerated global warming may lock the planet into this state. There is concern that a point of no return may be approaching, although some reports suggest it's not too late to take corrective action. The earth's climate is showing signs of distress, with multiple vital signs flashing red, but the possibility of a course correction to avoid a hothouse earth scenario still exists.