Record emissions, temperatures and population mean more scientists are looking into possibility of societal collapse, report says

Many of Earth’s “vital signs” have hit record extremes, indicating that “the future of humanity hangs in the balance”, a group of the world’s most senior climate experts have said.

More and more scientists are now looking into the possibility of societal collapse, says the report, which assessed 35 vital signs in 2023 and found that 25 were worse than ever recorded, including carbon dioxide levels and human population. This indicates a “critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis”, it says.

The temperature of Earth’s surface and oceans hit an all-time high, driven by record burning of fossil fuels, the report found. Human population is increasing at a rate of approximately 200,000 people a day and the number of cattle and sheep by 170,000 a day, all adding to record greenhouse gas emissions.

  • x00za@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    32·
    3 hours ago

    I think we should actually start taking hard measures. For example, the UK just closed their last coal plant. China on the other hand is opening a new one every week. We should start holding the heavy polluters accountable. Companies and countries. Use strength if required.

    • girlfreddyOPEnglish
      6·
      3 hours ago

      Then to be fair we should be backdating the fines for heavy polluters to when it first started, so the UK, Canada and the US pay our fair share of the cost.

      • YeetPics@mander.xyzEnglish
        1·
        11 minutes ago

        Only if we also backdate the fines and extend them to the countries who sell the most petroleum so Saudi Arabia and Russia can help foot the bill :)