Climate change faster than predicted

At least 11,000 scientists from more than 150 countries have signed a climate change emergency declaration.

It lends weight to calls for zero-emissions transport like EVs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from that sector.

The scientists point to 40 years of research showing the world is heading towards “untold human suffering” unless urgent action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, outlining the research and declaration in BioScience.

“Climate change has arrived and is accelerating faster than many scientists expected,” Professor William ‘Bill’ Ripple of the Oregon State University says.

University of Sydney scientists are among those who have contributed to the paper and back action calls, reported to be among more than 350 Australian scientists who have signed.

Priorities include decarbonising of energy systems, reducing greenhouse gases, limiting land clearing, having diets with a lower carbon footprint, restructuring economies away from resource extraction, and stabilising global population.

The scientists say they encouraged by such actions as governments, local authorities and agencies adopting new policies which set zero carbon goals and declare climate emergencies, limiting or banning diesel in city centres and providing incentives for low or zero emissions transport.