Scientists Stage Global Climate Protests
IPCC Report Spurs Urgent Action
Over 1,000 scientists from 25 countries participated in demonstrations organized by Scientist Rebellion last week, following the release of a dire report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report warns that rapid and deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are crucial by 2025 to avert catastrophic climate impacts.
Scientist Rebellion’s Mission
Scientist Rebellion, a group of scientists committed to activism, issued a statement declaring current actions and plans “grossly inadequate.” Their protests aim to highlight the urgency and severity of the climate crisis, demanding swift action from governments.
Los Angeles Protests
In Los Angeles, scientists including NASA climate scientist Peter Kalmus chained themselves to the JP Morgan Chase building. Kalmus expressed frustration, stating, “We’ve been ignored for decades. We’re going to lose everything if we don’t act now.”
Global Demonstrations
Scientist Rebellion protests took place worldwide, with scientists chaining themselves to the White House fence in Washington, D.C., throwing fake blood on the National Congress in Spain, demonstrating at embassies in Panama, and gluing themselves to a bridge in Germany. In Malawi, scientists held a teach-in at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Scientist Rebellion’s Origins
Scientist Rebellion was founded in 2020 by Ph.D. students in Scotland, inspired by the Extinction Rebellion movement. Extinction Rebellion uses non-violent direct action to pressure governments to address the climate and ecological emergency.
Scientists as Messengers
Charlie Gardner, a conservation scientist at the University of Kent, emphasizes the responsibility of scientists to speak out. “Scientists are particularly powerful messengers,” he says. “We have a responsibility to show leadership and act with urgency.”
IPCC Report Leak
Last year, Scientist Rebellion leaked a draft of the IPCC report, which warned of the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists’ Plea
Scientists around the world expressed deep concern and fear during the protests, demanding that governments prioritize climate action. “Listen to the scientists,” urged Amwanika Sharon, a Scientist Rebellion member protesting oil exploration in Uganda. “Climate justice now.”
Responsibility to Act
Jordan Cruz, an environmental engineer in Ecuador, wrote, “I am terrified, but it’s the kind of fear that motivates action. It is survival.”
Previous Protests
Scientist Rebellion has led several protests before, including at COP26 in Glasgow, at universities across the U.K., and in front of the Royal Society.
Call for Urgent Action
The IPCC report and Scientist Rebellion’s protests underscore the urgency of addressing climate change. Scientists demand that governments take aggressive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. Failure to act now could lead to catastrophic consequences for the planet and future generations.