"We are scientists and university lecturers from a range of disciplines. For years our work has spoken of difficult truths about the state of planet Earth. In particular regarding the threat hanging over humankind as a result of climate upheaval and the destruction of biodiversity." These are the opening words of a letter published in the newspaper Le Monde by numerous climatologists, geologists, sociologists, physicists and professors from around the world. They have decided to join, on 15 March, the student strike that has been sweeping across Europe and beyond for weeks.

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Le Monde - « Nous, scientifiques, ferons aussi la grève scolaire du 15 mars » ift.tt/2Ip3D1O

20 feb 2019 · Apri su X →

The scientists' letter: "We have tried everything, and yet…"

"We have investigated and documented. Tested different hypotheses. Built models. Fed our sociological, economic, legal, historical and philosophical reflections with scientific evidence. With the intention of defending democratic processes," the lecturers and scientists explain.

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Their tone is heartfelt: "We have felt the anguish of researchers confronted with unprecedented dangers: those linked to the probable collapse of thermo-industrial civilisation and the depletion of natural resources. For this reason we have sought to raise awareness among political decision-makers. We have built bridges with civil society organisations. We have sounded the alarm a thousand times to the public, to citizens. We have fuelled debate, opened science up to the population. We have tried everything. And yet…".

And yet the world still seems far from having fully grasped the emergency. The planet is still full of leaders who — more or less openly — attack anyone who dares to speak about climate change: from United States president Donald Trump to his counterparts in Russia and Brazil, Vladimir Putin and Jair Bolsonaro.

But the scientists also point the finger at the economic system, for which even today "all that matters is selling more. Regardless of what is being sold and the consequences those products have." As in the case of those who persist in peddling "pesticides and other dangerous substances." Or those who undeterred "propose profitable investments in fossil fuels."

"Rejecting a death-dealing civilisation means acting as good citizens"

On the other side, "there are those who will be the first to suffer from the stubbornness of today's decision-makers. Above all the students who are now heeding the calls to strike launched by Greta Thunberg. The youth of the entire planet. All of this section of the population sees the world being dragged by the neo-liberal system towards a climate nightmare." The Swedish student took part on Thursday 21 February in Brussels in a new demonstration alongside thousands of young people. And today, Friday 22 February, she will march through the streets of Paris.

It is for this reason that, "for anyone today who has even a basic awareness of what is happening, accompanying and supporting this youth mobilisation is a political and moral duty. Seeking progressive and effective solutions together with them is imperative."

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"We know," the scientists continue, "that some will now cry scandal at the politicisation of knowledge. But that is cynicism and hypocrisy: for decades the production of knowledge has too often been funded by private, purely commercial interests. And when that is not the case, research is often devoted solely to feeding markets, to poisoning ecosystems."

Hence the conclusion reached by the lecturers and researchers who will strike on 15 March alongside the students: "Denouncing and rejecting a death-dealing civilisation simply means acting as good citizens."