[Scientists-warning] Climate update and new warning article now published

[Frederick W. Schueler]

The Alliance of World Scientists -
https://scientistswarning.forestry.oregonstate.edu/ - sends their latest
report around - https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf149 - with this
summary of key findings:

• The year 2024 set a new mean global surface temperature record,
signaling an escalation of climate upheaval.

• Currently, 22 of 34 planetary vital signs are at record levels.

• Warming may be accelerating, likely driven by reduced aerosol
cooling, strong cloud feedbacks, and a darkening planet absorbing more heat.

• The human enterprise is driving ecological overshoot. Population,
livestock, meat consumption, and gross domestic product are all at
record highs, with an additional approximately 1.3 million humans and
0.5 million ruminant livestock added weekly.

• In 2024, fossil fuel energy consumption hit a record high, with
coal, oil, and gas all at peak levels. Combined solar and wind
consumption also set a new record but was 31 times lower than fossil
fuel energy consumption.

• So far, in 2025, atmospheric carbon dioxide is at a record level,
likely worsened by a sudden drop in land carbon uptake partly due to El
Niño and intense forest fires.

• Global fire-related tree cover loss reached an all-time high,
with fires in tropical primary forest up 370% over 2023, fueling rising
emissions and biodiversity loss.

• Ocean heat content reached a record high, contributing to the
largest coral bleaching event ever recorded, affecting 84% of reef area.

• So far, in 2025, Greenland and Antarctic ice mass are at record
lows. The Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets may be passing tipping
points, potentially committing the planet to meters of sea-level rise.

• Deadly and costly disasters surged, with Texas flooding killing
at least 135 people, the California wildfires alone exceeding US$250
billion in damages, and climate-linked disasters since 2000 globally
reaching more than US$18 trillion.

• Climate change is endangering thousands of wild animal species;
more than 3500 species are now at risk and there is new evidence of
climate-related animal population collapses.

• The Atlantic Gulf Stream circulation is weakening, threatening
major climate disruptions.

• Climate change is already affecting water quality and
availability, undermining agricultural productivity, sustainable water
management, and increasing the risk of water-related conflict.

• A dangerous hothouse Earth trajectory may now be more likely due
to accelerated warming, self-reinforcing feedbacks, and tipping points.

• Climate change mitigation strategies are available, cost
effective, and urgently needed. From forest protection and renewables to
plant-rich diets, we can still limit warming if we act boldly and quickly.

• Social tipping points can drive rapid change. Even small,
sustained nonviolent movements can shift public norms and policy,
highlighting a vital path forward amid political gridlock and ecological
crisis.

• There is a need for systems change that links individual
technical approaches with broader societal transformation, governance,
policies, and social movements.

"We are hurtling toward climate chaos. The planet's vital signs are
flashing red. The consequences of human-driven alterations of the
climate are no longer future threats but are here now. This unfolding
emergency stems from failed foresight, political inaction, unsustainable
economic systems, and misinformation. Almost every corner of the
biosphere is reeling from intensifying heat, storms, floods, droughts,
or fires. The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing."