Earth’s “vital signs” are deteriorating, posing a dire threat to life on the planet, according to an international team of scientists.
Their report reveals that 20 of the 35 crucial indicators tracking the climate crisis have reached record extremes, including greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures and sea level rise.
They said, “Big problems need big solutions. Therefore, we must shift our perspective on the climate emergency from being just an isolated environmental issue to a systemic, existential threat. Although global heating is devastating, it represents only one aspect of the escalating and interconnected environmental crisis that we are facing – eg, biodiversity loss, fresh water scarcity and pandemics.”
This data highlights the urgency of the climate crisis and its catastrophic consequences. The report emphasises the need to transition to a global economy that prioritises human well-being and reduces overconsumption and excessive emissions by the wealthy.
The scientists warn of a potential collapse of natural and socioeconomic systems, with unbearable heat and shortages of food and freshwater, affecting billions of people.
These record extremes not only signal alarm but also risk triggering irreversible damage and accelerating climate change.
The report is an update of a 2019 study endorsed by 15,000 scientists, underlining the dire trajectory of ongoing human activities. It’s a stark reminder that Earth’s life support systems are in grave jeopardy.
Scientists urge policies like phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, enhancing forest protection, transitioning to plant-based diets and ending new coal projects. Additionally, they advocate stabilising and gradually reducing the human population through gender justice, voluntary family planning, women’s and girls’ education and rights support.
[Image created via MidJourney]