Wildfires raging near Bordeaux and Madrid are of such astonishing scale that, had they occurred 20 or even 10 years ago, they might have shocked the world into taking action on the climate crisis. Yet, like the proverbial frog in a pot of slowly heating water, society has become inured not only to the devastating impacts of climate breakdown but also to the actions needed to curb global heating.
Global retreat on climate policies
Even as more than 35,000 wildfires burn across the globe, governments and trading blocs are deliberately turning away from climate action. According to the climate action media platform We Don't Have Time, the 12 months to July this year saw the reversal of 45 climate policies worldwide. Europe, previously seen as a leader in emissions reductions, is at the forefront of this retreat, weakening measures on carbon pricing, methane emissions, and the phase-out of petrol and diesel vehicles.
This is not yet an apocalyptic reversal of the majority of climate commitments, but the timing is critical. If backsliding on climate action is to be halted, action must be taken now.
Fossil fuel lobbying blamed
We Don't Have Time attributes the policy reversals to lobbying by the fossil fuel sector and other industries antagonistic to climate action. As long as these interests dominate decision-making meetings, they will get what they want. The solution, according to the platform, is to make more noise—on the streets, via the ballot box, and in the media—to pressure politicians and governments not to cave to vested business interests.
Scientists urged to speak out
Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London, argues that climate scientists have a duty to speak out more forcefully. In 2021, he wrote an open letter urging climate scientists to come off the fence and force those in power to listen to the truth. Five years later, little has changed. Many scientists remain silent due to fears about funding, academic advancement, prestige, or ridicule from colleagues.
McGuire emphasizes that the scientific community, numbering nearly 10 million globally, could make a tremendous impact if it spoke with one voice, demanding reinstatement of climate-friendly policies and more rapid emissions cuts. He warns that this may be the last chance to turn things around and help politicians develop the backbone to stand up to vested interests. Every scientist must examine their conscience, recognizing that there will be no research grants on a dead planet.
