Uncertainty surrounds our existence, is omnipresent in our society, and is fueled by constant scaremongering that the world is going to end. Recently, further fuel was added to this conversation, when the Alliance of World Scientists announced a global warning to the world.
Global Warning: 15,000 Scientists Agree the World Will End
In their “Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: Second Notice,” a global warning was issued to save the earth. Over 15,000 scientists support this notion, serving as a prophetic warning that follows a similar notice issued in 1992. Back then, just 1,500 signed the petition, but the influx of social media helped the campaign gather more momentum this time around.
Twitter helped the #ScientistsWarningToEarth garner 15,000 signatures. This indicates the seriousness of the issue, and how we as a race need to address our impact on the planet. William Ripple of Oregon State University started the campaign, after stumbling across the previous campaign. Fittingly, the revised warning was released on the 25th anniversary of the original warning, where it was alarming to observe how little had changed.
Ripple’s Findings
Perhaps we are more damaging than ever, as mass production and other human impact continue to adversely affect the planet. Ripple analyzed data and trends over the past twenty-five years, and observed the following:
- Unsustainable marine fisheries
- Decline in freshwater availability
- Ocean dead zones
- Dwindling biodiversity
- Population growth
- Climate change
Among the otherwise negative news, a rapid decline in ozone depletion was reported. This indicates people are capable of change, but behavioral changes must be encouraged for this to happen. Ripple’s overwhelming support from scientists around the world came as a surprise. After sending his findings to 40 work colleagues, an incredible 600 scientists signed it to confirm its validity, according to CBC.
Signatures continued to flood in, and two days later there were 1,200. The campaign has continued to gain exposure on social media, and has 15,364 signatures to date. The paper brings awareness to the fragile state of the planet, with particular reference to climate change and the environment. Scientists who support this viewpoint have a collective voice, so the campaign has created significant awareness.
What Next?
Ripple said “Since 1992, carbon emissions have increased 62 per cent,” and that global temperature changes are inclining in correlation. There are also two billion more people on earth, a 35% increase, and this understandably contributes to increased emissions. Population growth is a huge factor, but Ripple believes we as humans can focus on our ecological footprint. This is highly pertinent today, where consumerism levies a large toll on the environment. The middle-class are increasingly buying appliances, cars, eating more and traveling. Our planet suffers as an unintended consequence, and it is important for us to address global warning for the sake of future generations.
Conclusion
There are many changes we can make to address these issues. Stabilizing the population by controlling family size is one measure. We can also reduce habits which have a negative impact on the environment, especially from an industrial standpoint. Are we in the midst of a mass extinction event? If we are, it will have been orchestrated by us as a race.
If we continue to expand at this rate, and business-as-usual continues, we could lose half of the species in existence. Unity is one thing, but taking care of our planet is equally important. With the risk of sounding cliché, we’re all one big family, and taking care of the earth is akin to taking care of each other.
