A deterioration in the planet's 'vital signs' shows the climate crisis is accelerating at a dangerous pace and unprecedented scale, scientists warn in a new report.
Of the 35 such signs that researchers track each year, 25 reach record extremes, according to an annual report released Tuesday.bioscience.
“Much of the very fabric of life on Earth is at risk,” lead author William Ripple, a forestry professor at Oregon State University, said in a statement.
Among the vital signs assessed in the report are population, birth rates, livestock, food production, global GDP, tree cover, energy consumption, carbon emissions, fossil fuel subsidies, government-declared climate emergencies, and heat. Includes measurements related to associated mortality.
In the United States alone, there will be an estimated 2,325 heat-related deaths in 2023, an increase of 117 percent compared to similar deaths in 1999, according to the report.
After evaluating these and other signs, scientists found many reasons for concern. They confirmed that the three hottest days on record occurred in July 2024, with fossil fuel emissions and livestock populations, both human and ruminant, reaching record highs.
The human population was increasing at a rate of about 200,000 people per day, and the number of ruminants (ungulates) was increasing by about 170,000 people every day.
In 2023, global fossil fuel consumption increased by 1.5%. The authors attribute this increase to a 1.6% increase in coal use and a 2.5% increase in oil use.
According to the report, solar and wind energy together increased by 15% year-on-year, but their combined usage is only one-fourteenth of fossil fuel consumption. The authors believe that the increase in renewable energy is due to increased demand rather than a shift away from fossil fuels.
Another troubling finding cited by the researchers was the observation that annual tree cover loss increased from 22.8 million hectares (56.3 million acres) in 2022 to 28.3 million hectares (69.9 million acres) in 2023. Ta.
“We are already in the midst of sudden climate change, which is endangering life on Earth like never before experienced by humanity,” Ripple said, adding, “We are in the midst of a sudden climate change that is endangering life on Earth like nothing humanity has ever experienced before,” Ripple said. “The planet is being forced into climate conditions by ecological overshoot that takes away more than it can give.” More threatening than anything even witnessed by our prehistoric relatives. ”
Annual energy-related emissions exceeded 40 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent for the first time on record, the report said, and emissions of powerful and polluting methane and nitrous oxide also soared.
Scientists also discovered that the Earth's average surface temperature broke records, as did ocean acidity and heat content, as well as global average sea level. They also pointed to the accelerating decline of ice sheets and glaciers and the increasing frequency of multibillion-dollar climate-related disasters.
“Multiple climate-related disasters have occurred since the publication of the 2023 report,” Ripple said, pointing to a series of deadly heatwave events that have hit Asia.
He added: “Climate change has already displaced millions of people and could potentially displace hundreds of millions or even billions. It will likely lead to increased geopolitical instability. “In some cases, it may even lead to a partial collapse of society.''
Co-author and postdoctoral researcher Christopher Wolff argues that despite numerous international reports, tens of thousands of papers, and more than 20 UN conferences on the issue, no substantial progress has been made in the fight against climate change. He criticized countries around the world for not having the same.
That's why scientists believe that the wealthy need to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and conservation, protect biodiversity ecosystems, encourage plant-based diets, reduce overconsumption, and encourage climate change education globally. He called for the prompt introduction of policies that would be incorporated into the curriculum.
“The future of humanity depends on creativity, morality and perseverance,” Wolf said in a statement.
“Swift and decisive action is needed if future generations are to inherit the world they deserve,” he added.
