Scientists Unite Against Climate Change: A Call to Action for Fundamental Change

Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, and scientists from across academic disciplines are sounding the alarm. A recent large-scale survey of over 9,000 researchers from around the world reveals that an overwhelming majority are extremely concerned about climate change and willing to take action.

The Survey Results

A staggering 83% of respondents reported being "quite a bit" or "a great deal" worried about climate change, with 91% believing that fundamental changes in social, political, and economic systems are needed to truly tackle the issue. Furthermore, 84% of scientists think that significant changes in personal behavior and lifestyle are necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Personal Changes Already Made

Many scientists have already made significant changes to their lifestyle in response to climate change. 69% of respondents reported driving less, 51% have reduced their flying, and 39% have switched to a more plant-based diet.

Willingness to Engage in Advocacy and Protest

A majority of scientists believe that climate activist groups can bring about positive change and that scientists should be more engaged in climate advocacy and even protest. 29% of respondents are already engaged in climate advocacy, 23% have participated in legal protest, and 10% have engaged in civil disobedience. Additionally, about half of the scientists surveyed say they would be willing to engage in some of these activities in the future.

Breaking Down Barriers to Engagement

The researchers propose a two-step model of engagement. First, scientists need to overcome intellectual barriers such as a lack of belief in the effectiveness of actions, lack of identification with activists, lack of knowledge, fear of losing credibility, and fear of repercussions. Second, they need to overcome practical barriers such as a perceived lack of skills, lack of time, lack of opportunities, and not knowing any groups involved in climate action.

Increasing Scientists' Engagement

Based on their two-step model, the researchers propose ways to increase scientists' engagement, such as facilitating interactions between scientists who are already engaged and those who are not, and making institutional reforms, for example by offering more time and money for climate-related actions or rewarding public engagement.

A Wake-up Call

"Governments and corporations continue to make empty promises that downplay the level of transformation that is required to prevent climate breakdown," says Adam Aron, professor of psychology at the University of California, San Diego, and a co-author of the study. "This study makes clear that scientists from all disciplines are very worried and are calling for this fundamental transformation. I hope it helps wake people up and get engaged -- more and more scientists are."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main finding of the survey?

The main finding of the survey is that a vast majority of scientists from across academic disciplines are extremely concerned about climate change and willing to take action, including making significant changes to their personal lifestyle and engaging in advocacy and protest.

What are the proposed ways to increase scientists' engagement?

The proposed ways to increase scientists' engagement include facilitating interactions between scientists who are already engaged and those who are not, and making institutional reforms, such as offering more time and money for climate-related actions or rewarding public engagement.

Conclusion

The survey's findings serve as a wake-up call to governments, corporations, and individuals to take immediate action to address climate change. Scientists are united in their concern and willingness to take action, and it is time for the rest of the world to follow suit. Fundamental changes are needed, and scientists are calling for it.