Many of Earth’s “vital signs” have hit record extremes, indicating that “the future of humanity hangs in the balance”, a group of the world’s most senior climate experts have said.

More and more scientists are now looking into the possibility of societal collapse, says the report, which assessed 35 vital signs in 2023 and found that 25 were worse than ever recorded, including carbon dioxide levels and human population. This indicates a “critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis”, it says.

The temperature of Earth’s surface and oceans hit an all-time high, driven by record burning of fossil fuels, the report found. Human population is increasing at a rate of approximately 200,000 people a day and the number of cattle and sheep by 170,000 a day, all adding to record greenhouse gas emissions.

  • girlfreddy@lemmy.caOP
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    28 days ago

    Then to be fair we should be backdating the fines for heavy polluters to when it first started, so the UK, Canada and the US pay our fair share of the cost.

    • YeetPics@mander.xyz
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      27 days ago

      Only if we also backdate the fines and extend them to the countries who sell the most petroleum so Saudi Arabia and Russia can help foot the bill :)

    • TheEighthDoctor@lemmy.world
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      27 days ago

      We could also buy a unicorn for everyone on earth since we are giving examples of things that will never happen