Support A Science Oath For The Climate

We Are Launching A New Science Oath For The Climate. It Is A Pledge Of Scrutiny, Integrity And Engagement

Support A Science Oath For The Climate

Noting the increasing severity of the global heating crisis and the need for action that transcends election cycles spelt out in your article (This election isn’t about the next four years. It’s about the next four millennia, 3 November) we are launching a new science oath for the climate. It is a pledge of scrutiny, integrity and engagement, and we invite our fellow scientists and researchers to join us.

Science has no higher purpose than to understand and help maintain the conditions for life to thrive on Earth. We may look beyond our planet with wonder and learn, but this is our only viable home. Our dwelling, though, is critically threatened by the loss of the stable climate that has allowed humanity to flourish. We pledge to act in whatever ways we are able, in our lives and work, to prevent catastrophic climate disruption. To translate this pledge into a force for real change, we will:

Explain honestly, clearly and without compromise, what scientific evidence tells us about the seriousness of the climate emergency.

Not second guess what might seem politically or economically pragmatic when describing the scale and timeframe of action needed to deliver the 1.5C and 2C commitments, specified in the Paris climate agreement. And to speak out about what is not compatible with the commitments, or is likely to undermine them.

To the best of our abilities, and mindful of the urgent need for systemic change, seek to align our own behaviour with the climate targets, and reduce our own personal carbon emissions to demonstrate the possibilities for change.

With courtesy and firmness, we will hold our professional associations, institutions and employers to these same standards, and invite our colleagues across the scientific community to sign, act on and share this pledge.

  • Prof Chris Rapley
  • Prof Sarah Bracking
  • Prof Bill McGuire
  • Prof Simon Lewis
  • Prof Jonathan Bamber

This news was originally published at The Guardian