Wildfires are raging at the gates of Bordeaux and Madrid on a scale that, had they occurred 10 or 20 years ago, might have shocked the world into climate action. But as global heating accelerates, governments and trading blocs are turning away from climate measures.
Reversal of 45 climate policies
According to the climate action media platform We Don't Have Time, the 12 months to July this year saw the reversal of 45 climate policies worldwide. Europe, once a leader in emissions reductions, is weakening measures on carbon pricing, methane emissions, and phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles.
Lobbying by fossil fuel sector
We Don't Have Time attributes the backsliding to lobbying by the fossil fuel industry and other antagonistic sectors. The platform argues that as long as these interests dominate decision-making meetings, they will get what they want. The response must be louder noise from the streets, ballot boxes, and media to pressure politicians.
Call for climate scientists to speak out
Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London, writes that climate scientists have a duty to speak truth to power. But many remain silent due to fears about funding, career advancement, or ridicule. McGuire's open letter in 2021 urged them to speak out, yet little has changed. He argues that with an estimated 18,000 climate scientists worldwide (likely an underestimate), a unified voice could overwhelm corporate weasel words and government irresponsibility.
Urgency of action
McGuire emphasises that this may be the last chance to turn things around. Every scientist must recognise that there will be no research grants on a dead planet and act accordingly.
