The American Geophysical Union (AGU) just released a statement evaluating the current understanding of climate change, and the need for humans to address this issue. The statement (as a .pdf) is titled "Human-induced climate change requires urgent action." It's only two pages long, so READ IT and, if you so desire, see the press release.
Why does this matter? AGU is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world which focuses on earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences. It is responsible for the publication of numerous journals, and its annual meeting regularly hosts over 20,000 attendees. Last year there were over 15,000 poster presentations and 7,000 oral presentations (all of this info is available on www.agu.org). Most of these presentations are precursors to articles which get published in peer-reviewed journals. The statement that AGU released represents the cumulative findings from thousands of researchers and their publications. The statement represents the state of the current science of human-induced climate change. So although a 15 member committee drafted this statement, it is supported by the work produced by the >60,000 members of the AGU.
Human-induced climate change is real. Any political nitpicking arguing that uncertainties in research should make us question the need for action are misguided, if not irresponsible. The statement addresses this directly with the following sentences:
While important scientific uncertainties remain as to which particular impacts will be experienced where, no uncertainties are known that could make the impacts of climate change inconsequential. Furthermore, surprise outcomes, such as the unexpectedly rapid loss of Arctic summer sea ice, may entail even more dramatic changes than anticipated.
So, be wary of any political statements claiming that evidence isn't substantial enough to require action. Those statements keep citizens in the dark and money in the pockets of energy corporations.
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