CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Earth is barreling toward “uncharted climate territory” and on track to become uninhabitable for three and six billion people by the end of the century, a new report found.
The research, led by Oregon State University scientists, casts dire warnings, saying big changes are needed now.
The State of the Climate report, by climate scientists from around the world summarized reams of evidence indicating that global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions are falling way short. The group, led by a professor and former researcher from Oregon State University, said only profound measures to protect people and the environment will give humanity “our best shot at surviving these challenges in the long run.”
The report does offer some hope that humanity can slash emissions fast enough to avert an all-out meltdown, though scientists said the Earth is already experiencing climate chaos and is approaching uncharted territory.
Twelve scientists published the report Tuesday in the peer reviewed journal BioScience, which is a publication of the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Oregon State professor William Ripple and former postdoctoral researcher Christopher Wolf are the lead authors.
“Life on planet Earth is under siege,” the report said. “For several decades, scientists have consistently warned of a future marked by extreme climatic conditions because of escalating global temperatures caused by ongoing human activities that release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, time is up.”
The report summarized 45 studies and analyses to look at the state of Earth’s “vital signs,” such as global temperatures, forest cover and sea ice, amid the dovetailing climate and biodiversity crises. The authors found a planet in crisis that is dangerously close to several “tipping points” that could upend whole societies.
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