The Guardian reached out recently to 45 climate scientists around the world to find out how they would answer the question – Is 2023 the year humans finally broke the Earth’s climate?
Overall, the scientist agreed that the Earth’s climate is changing rapidly, and that human activity is the primary cause. They also agreed that the events of 2023 are consistent with what they have been predicting for last 30 years.
However, they differed on whether or not 2023 is the year that humans “finally broke” the Earth’s climate. Some scientists argued that the Earth’s climate has already passed a tipping point, and that we are now in a state of irreversible climate change.
Others argued that we still have a chance to avert the worst effects of climate change, but that we need to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are some quotes from the scientists who were interviewed:
- “We are in a state of emergency. We need to act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or we will face catastrophic consequences.” – Professor Peter Cox, University of Exeter
- “The Earth’s climate is changing rapidly, and human activity is the primary cause. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change, and they are only going to get worse if we don’t take action.” – Dr. Michael Mann, Pennsylvania State University
- “We still have a chance to avert the worst effects of climate change, but we need to act now. We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.” – Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Texas Tech University
When asked if there is a solution to the climate crisis, the scientists answered with a resounding, “Yes!” It is a concept known to all, and it goes like this: Stop Burning Fossil Fuels!
Climate scientists today are feeling anxious and concerned, as they witness the imminent danger of climate change and the lack of response from society. Like most of us, their emotions range from abject despair to holding out hope for a last second miracle.
Reference- The Guardian Story, National Geographic, BBC, The Washington Post, Down To Earth