Climate: 11,000 scientists declare Earth in a state of emergency
Environment — di Andrea Barolini
In an open letter, 11,000 researchers explain to the world that the scientific community is unanimous: climate change is real and we must act.
Climate: 11,000 scientists declare Earth in a state of emergency
In an open letter, 11,000 researchers explain to the world that the scientific community is unanimous: climate change is real and we must act.
More than 11,000 scientists, from 153 countries, have signed an open letter published on 5 November in the journal BioScience. The aim: to confirm to the entire world that the scientific community is almost unanimous in asserting that climate change is a reality, is largely caused by human activity, and demands an immediate ecological transition in our economies, our societies and our lifestyles.
Over 11,000 scientists from 153 countries have banded together to issue a warning about #climatechange.
Using over 40 years of research, the scientists have outlined 6 steps to slow down planet-warming effects & prevent "untold human suffering".
Using over 40 years of research, the scientists have outlined 6 steps to slow down planet-warming effects & prevent "untold human suffering".
"We must change our lifestyles to save the climate"
"We declare," the text reads, "clearly and unequivocally that planet Earth is facing a climate emergency." It is for this reason that scientists themselves are increasingly seeking to "step out" of their laboratories and devote themselves to outreach and persuasion aimed at the general public.
That action is needed, and needed immediately, is by now well established. But the words of the letter's signatories — among whom are around 250 Italians — make clear that we cannot simply wait for governments to act: "The climate crisis is closely linked to excessive consumption associated with an affluent lifestyle." It is for this reason that "we are called upon to change our habits" — for example by eating less meat, reducing plastic use, and choosing sustainable mobility systems.
"President Trump's response has been really unfortunate in terms of the Paris Agreement."
More than 11,000 scientists from 153 countries have declared a "climate emergency." Here's what the authors of the report say should be done to address climate change
More than 11,000 scientists from 153 countries have declared a "climate emergency." Here's what the authors of the report say should be done to address climate change
Of course, our individual actions must be accompanied by those dependent on political decision-makers: "The excessive extraction of materials and the overexploitation of ecosystems, driven by economic growth, must be rapidly reduced," the letter continues. On the contrary, "we must mobilise to protect and restore Earth's ecosystems." This means investing in renewables, reducing pollutants, safeguarding populations with greater social and economic justice, optimising food resources and achieving a net-zero CO2 economy.
Science has been sounding the alarm since 1979 — it is time to act
One month before the start of the twenty-fifth United Nations Climate Conference — Cop25, to be held in Madrid — science has thus decided to issue an appeal to the entire world. "Ours," the scientists explained, "is a moral obligation. Exactly 40 years ago, in 1979, scientists from 50 nations gathered for the first World Climate Conference in Geneva. They agreed to sound the alarm, highlighting the urgent need to take countermeasures. Since then, similar calls have come after the Rio summit of 1992, at the time of the drafting of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, and with the conclusion of the Paris Agreement in 2015."
More than 11,000 researchers from around the world issued a grim warning of the "untold suffering" that will be caused by climate change if humanity doesn't change its ways cnn.it/2NIgICZ
Despite this, "emissions of greenhouse gases have continued to rise, compounding their effects on Earth's climate." It is for this reason that "we need an immense increase in our commitment to preserving the biosphere." Otherwise we will face "unprecedented human suffering."