Drastic action needed to tackle climate change

UK’s leading scientific, medical and engineering bodies have called on the governments around the globe to take immediate action to prevent drastic climate change.

The coalition comprised of 24 academic and professional institutions, warned emissions must end on an international level “if we are to keep warming below the agreed danger limit.” It also suggested economic progress, better health and an improved access to energy, water and food are the potential benefits of tackling global warming.

Climate economist and president of the British Academy, Lord Nicholas Stern, emphasised Britain’s role in leading the fight. “The UK led the world with both the modern scientific revolution and the industrial revolution, and must lead again now on the creation of a safer, cleaner and more prosperous world,” Stern said.

“Now is the time for the prime minister and the rest of his government to show leadership on this issue, by implementing effective domestic policies to tackle climate change and to support efforts overseas, including a strong international agreement in Paris at the end of this year,” said Stern.

This comes just months after prime minister, David Cameron pledged to “accelerate the transition to a competitive, energy-efficient low-carbon economy” ahead of the 2015 general election. However, since the Conservative win last March, support for renewable energy has been cut, resulting in heavy criticism towards the government.

The institutions behind the movement, including the Royal Society, the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Institution of Civil Engineers said: “Actions need to be taken now, by governments, individuals, businesses, local communities and public institutions, if we are to tackle this global challenge [and] deliver the required cuts in emissions”.

The scientific evidence is now overwhelming that the climate is warming and that human activity is largely responsible for this change through emissions of greenhouse gases.

The issue of global warming has been blamed on excessive emission of greenhouse gases. Negotiations to create a legally binding and universal agreement on tackling climate change will begin later this year as world governments plan to meet in Paris.

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