More than 15,000 scientists sign an unprecedented warning about the state of our planet

As COP23 is held in Bonn, Germany, until 17 November, more than 15,000 scientists from 184 countries are signing a manifesto published in the journal BioScience warning of the degradation of the planet.

" Not only has humanity failed to make sufficient progress in addressing these announced environmental challenges, but it is very disturbing to note that most of them have escalated dramatically ." It's a real alarm that biologists, astronomers, physicists and climate scientists from around the world have just delivered.

In total, more than 15,000 scientists from 184 countries are alerting people to the current state of our planet and the imminent risks that threaten it. Published in the journal BioScience and titled " Warning Scientists to Humanity: Second Warning ", their platform takes the form of a booster shot, 25 years after the previous alert.

In 1992, a first call was issued on the occasion of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Today, for scientists, it is time to notice the changes made since this call: " It is time to remember their warning and evaluate the responses that humanity has made ." And that is saying that the record is far from brilliant.

Alarming trends

" Scarcity of fresh water, loss of marine life, dead areas of the oceans, deforestation, destruction of biodiversity, climate change and continued growth of the human population ". These factors are all issues raised since 1992 and on which humanity has "failed" for the 15,000 signatories of the tribune.

Scientists point to "particularly troubling" trajectory of " potentially catastrophic climate change, due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation and agricultural production - including emissions by raising ruminants for slaughter .

Even concern for wildlife: " We have also triggered a phenomenon of mass extinction (...) at the end of which many forms of life could disappear completely, or at least be on the verge of extinction by the end of the century, "they continue. Alarming trends that justify this second warning.

Possible efforts

Yet, scientists are finding that humanity has proven that it is able to mobilize quickly and effectively on a problem. This is evidenced by the massive reduction of products harmful to the ozone layer in the world. A global effort that paid off as NASA's annual report showed earlier this month that the ozone hole was at its lowest level since 1988 .

They are also encouraged by the fight against famine, extreme poverty and significant progress in the education of women and girls and in the renewable energy sector, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Progress that the authors of the rostrum nevertheless quickly qualify.

" We have learned a lot since 1992, but progress on urgently needed changes in environmental policies, human behavior and global inequalities is still far from sufficient," they said. in their tribune published in French by Le Monde .

Towards key actions

Beyond these observations, the manifesto's editors direct efforts towards key actions, both globally and locally and with both ecological and human aims. These include the development of techniques to combat defaunation, poaching and the exploitation of endangered species. Promoting a more plant-based diet and reducing food waste through education.

They also suggest a more effective preservation of ecosystems by stopping the conversion of native forests, grasslands and other habitats or continuing to reduce the fertility rate by ensuring that men and women have access to education. and family planning services.

Conflict warning

Initiated by the Nobel Prize in physics and published in 1992, the previous warning of scientists had been very little relayed in the media. The first warning was strongly obscured by another contradictory manifesto, published on the eve of this summit: "The call of Heidelberg".

Signed by nearly 4,000 scientists including 72 Nobel Prize winners, he said he feared: " the emergence of an irrational ideology that opposes scientific and industrial progress and harms economic and social development ." Surprisingly, the de-classification by the American justice of archives of the tobacco industry has found the sponsors of this text.

Sponsors who were none other than communicators of the asbestos industry, tobacco lobby and other polluting industries. Asked after the discovery of this information, many scientists said they signed the text without having fully perceived its innuendo and intentions.

Today, the mobilization of more than 15,000 scientists delivers an unprecedented scale of warning and their intentions are clear: " We must be aware, both in our daily lives and in our governmental institutions, that the Earth, with all the life it conceals, is our only home ".