If bold actions are not taken immediately, the 10% danger that Earth’s temperature rises by 6degC in the next year , according to a leading group of climate scientists in an “Earth Statement”. Experts from the Earth League warn that if this happens, it would have devastating consequences for humanity. 17 of the most respected scientists in the world stressed that decision-makers around the globe must act now to ensure a global agreement is reached to reduce the danger of catastrophic climate change. In eight key elements they outlined what Paris’ international climate deal should accomplish to give us a chance of avoiding climate catastrophe. It is too late if bold actions are not taken immediately, according to 17 top scientists. Zero carbon society by the mid-century Johan Rockstrom (Chair of Earth League), Executive Director at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, and member of Global Challenges Foundation said that the window of opportunities is rapidly closing. Our world is on an unstoppable trajectory, well beyond the 2°C mark. The risk of disaster is high for mankind with unprecedented sea-level rise and heat waves as well as droughts, floods, and other natural hazards.” Yet, we are willing to risk our world’s future. However, scientific evidence supports the idea that bold actions are possible to create a better future. To coincide with Earth Day, we are calling for policy-makers and leaders to demonstrate real leadership. The Earth Statement warns about the danger of reaching tipping points, which are lines that cross the Earth system and make it impossible or difficult to reverse. Recent research suggests that substantial ice melting in Antarctica could be irreversible. This is evidence that societies must take precautions to prevent climate change. Earth Statement coauthor Professor Jeffrey Sachs from Columbia University is Director of Earth Institute. He stated: “COP 21 will be the moment of truth. This is our last chance to keep within the 2deg Celsius upper limits. Deep decarbonisation of the planet by the middle century is key to its success. Deep decarbonisation by mid-century is key to success. To limit climate-related risks, governments around the globe must put into action their pledge to reduce the global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius. To be fair, the 2degC limit must be held. 3. Nation must immediately commit to decarbonization. This will allow them to achieve a zero carbon society in the middle or near future. This will require fundamental economic transformation. Equity is essential. Each nation should develop an emission pathway that is consistent with deep decarbonization. Progressive industries and advanced economies can lead the way in decarbonizing well before 2050. 5. We must focus on research, development, and dissemination (RDD&D), of low-carbon energy system, as well sustainable land use, in order to create a new wave of climate innovation. 6. The agreement must be the basis for a global strategy that reduces vulnerability and builds resilience. It should also deal with community loss and damage from climate-related impacts. This includes collective action and scaling up support. Global agreement is needed to protect carbon sinks as well as essential ecosystems such as forests. This is just as crucial for climate protection as emission reductions. 8. To enable us to make a rapid transition from low-carbon to climate-resilient society, national governments must immediately find new sources and scales of climate financing for emerging countries. Johan Rockstrom, a fellow Earth League member, and John Schellnhuber (director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research) will present the Earth Statement on Thursday, 23April. Earth League members are: Johan Rockstrom (Stockholm Resilience Centre, Sweden) Chair. Carlos Nobre (National Institute for Space Research, INPE), Brazil. Guanhua Xu (Chinese Academy of Sciences), China. Additional author (not EL). Guy P. Brasseur Max Planck Institute for Meteorology Germany. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber is from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. Jeffrey Sachs. The Earth Institute. Columbia University. Jennifer Morgan, World Resources Institute USA. Leena Srivastava, TERI University, India. Lord Nicholas Stern Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment London School of Economics and Political Science UK. Mario J. Molina, Centro Mario Molina, Mexico. Nebojsa Nacienovic, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Vienna University of Technology (Austria). Ottmar Edenhofer is Mercator Research Institute for Global Commons, Germany. Pavel Kabat International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (Austria). Peter Schlosser, Earth Institute, Columbia University, USA. Sir Brian Hoskins Grantham Institute, Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London (UK). Veerabhadran RAManathan Scripps Institution of Oceanography San Diego (UC), USA. Youba Sokona is from The South Center in Switzerland. Video – Earth Stewardship. This video from Imperial College London was captured in 2013 at the official launch of Earth League. It featured an Inaugural Lecture given by Professor Johan Rockstrom and hosted by Grantham Institute for Climate Change.
