Canadian scientists: act on climate change now

As a biologist and conservation science director for WWF-Canada, I run into scientists a lot, mostly in universities, but also in government and business. I’ve lost count of how many have told me how striking they see the impacts of climate change on the plants, animals and ecosystems they study, especially during the last couple of years.

The letter struck a chord among the biologists, geographers, soil specialists, ecological economists and other scientists. This is a first-class list of experts: some with Orders of Canada, many who are Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, a pair of IPPC science panels members (and therefore co-winners of the Nobel Prize with Al Gore), dozens of Canada Research Chairs, and more than a few global superstars in their field. In addition, ten national science societies have endorsed the letter.

Scientists are worried. They’re worried for the planet and they’re worried for their families and society at large. They reflect the majority opinion of Canadians that climate is the defining crisis for the planet (see news of the Harris-Decima poll). As Rick Salutin said in his Globe column, scientists are people, too. But they also are deeply convinced that Canada has the means, responsibility and time-limited opportunity to, as Josh implored, get seriously into the climate game — now.

Steven Price
Senior Director, Conservation Science and Practice