Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences Statement on the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report
September 21, 2021
The verdict is clear. The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) on climate change released on August 9 is nothing less than “a code red for humanity. The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable.”
The IPCC scientists warn that unless rapid and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades, global warming will exceed 2°C during the 21st century, with catastrophic consequences for ecosystems and societies, and achieving the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement “will be beyond reach.” These consequences are already reality for vulnerable communities.
The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) stands firmly behind the consensus on climate science and the need to accelerate our efforts to study, mitigate, and adapt to the climate emergency. We support any and all efforts to conduct research, educate, and advocate for policies and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. We urge all affiliated institutions and cooperatives at AESS to work with us in supporting interdisciplinary and equitable approaches to tackling these intersectional challenges.
Right now, we have a historic opportunity to act on climate. Democrats in the U.S. Congress are determining the provisions in the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package that would create investments in clean energy, put a price on carbon, and address environmental injustice. Only a few days or weeks remain before the package goes to a vote, which cannot be blocked by the filibuster. The following are ways you can take action:
- Tell your members of Congress to support big bold climate solutions
- Tell President Biden and your Senators to put a price on carbon
- Join the Worldwide Teach-in for Climate Justice
- If you’re outside of the U.S., we recommend the campaigns and actions at 350.org
- For a list of organizations that work on climate, see citizensclimatehighered.org/partners
The time is short, but change is still possible. We already have all the solutions we need to avert this crisis. We call upon all institutions and entities to act strongly and decisively in response to this collective challenge. For resources provided by AESS, visit AESSOnline.org
