For a long time now, the world has seen climate scientists demanding climate actions, pushing for climate revolution to prevent climate crisis. Back in May 2022, climate scientists have stated that "time is running out" for humanity before climate chaos ensues.
After more than a year of various protests for climate revolution, climate scientists have an update, now indicating that "time is up" for humanity, and the consequences are about to unfold "profoundly distressing scenes of suffering" for the world.
'The 2023 state of the climate report' co-signed by over 15,000 scientists representing 163 countries has stated that life on the earth is in danger since the Earth's health has deteriorated beyond what humans have ever witnessed.
The update presents new data showing that several climate-related records, notably those pertaining to ocean temperatures and sea ice, were broken by "enormous margins" in 2023. Additionally, they mention a remarkable Canadian wildfire season that resulted in previously unheard-of carbon dioxide emissions.
Lead author of the report Christopher Wolf explains that these catastrophes are now more common and more catastrophic than even the frightening temperature rise.
This suggests that by the end of the 21st century, 3 to 6 billion people may truly live outside of the Earth's livable regions, putting them at risk from harsh climates, a lack of access to food, and greater mortality rates.
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Humanity's Part in Climate Change
Scientists stated that we are now "venturing into uncharted climate territory" where the analysis reveals that 20 out of 35 Earth's "vital signs," including the global gross domestic product, subsidies for fossil fuels, annual carbon pollution, and glacier thinning, have reached new extremes due to human activity.
The study's co-author, Bill Ripple, an Oregon State University ecologist, stated that "rather than cutting greenhouse gas emissions, we're increasing them. So we're not doing well right now."
Furthermore, the authors of the study took aim at human demand, stating that there are many different environmental crises that come from excessive human demand on the planet's resources, including a reduction in biodiversity.
They stress that any policy that focuses just on carbon or climate will only transfer the pressure as long as mankind continues to exert enormous pressure on the world.
What Can We Do?
The study called on scientists, policymakers, and the public for immediate action, these steps include a shift to more ecologically friendly and sustainable behaviors, such as the use of renewable energy sources, sustainable agricultural systems, a decrease in meat consumption, and carbon pricing mechanisms.
The study reportedly stressed the importance of increasing nature-based solutions, such as restoring forests, but it also acknowledged the need for innovative technologies to remove greenhouse emissions from the environment.
In conclusion, the study noted that the world will and is facing massive suffering due to climate change but the future will only continue to have unbearable heat, frequent extreme weather events, food and fresh water shortages, rising seas, more emerging diseases, and increased social unrest and geopolitical conflict.
The study indicates that "our best shot at surviving these challenges in the long run" will be addressing human demand rather than only focusing at carbon reduction and climate change.
