At the recent leaders’ summit, the Sovereign delivered a compelling speech about the importance of science in addressing climate change.
The thirtieth United Nations Climate Conference kicked off on November 6 in Belém, Brazil. Organized under the leadership of Brazilian diplomat André Corrêa do Lago, the summit gathered around thirty world leaders. With the conference set to continue until November 21, the urgency was clear. UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that limiting global warming to 1.5°C remains unachieved, with current levels nearing 2.5°C. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed, “The window of opportunity we have to act is closing rapidly.”
During his address, Prince Albert II highlighted alarming trends that threaten scientific integrity. He pointed out that, despite robust climate data, ideological beliefs are distorting public perception of science. He quoted, “Science is now confronted with the peril of ideology and relativism, even though it has never been so certain, so accessible, so clear.” French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, urging societies to prioritize science over ideology.
This push for scientific transparency is more crucial than ever. Historical context reveals that climate change debates have long been marred by misinformation. In the late 1990s, public discourse shifted dramatically as scientific consensus grew, yet skepticism lingered. According to a 2022 study from Yale, around 38% of Americans still hold doubts about climate science, illustrating the ongoing battle against misinformation.
The Prince emphasized that humanity is crossing dangerous planetary boundaries. He noted legal endorsements from institutions like the International Court of Justice linking our actions to climate upheaval. This acknowledgment highlights a global responsibility we all share to tackle climate change.
Beyond the opening speech, the Prince contributed to discussions on forests and oceans, crucial components in the climate crisis. Co-chairing a session with President Lula, they focused on national contributions and financial commitments stemming from previous COP meetings. These conversations are vital, as forests and oceans play a key role in carbon capture, making their protection essential for our planet’s health.
As the conference unfolds, the emphasis on scientific integrity and effective climate policies remains paramount. Ultimately, the world is watching, and its future depends on critical decisions made today.
Source link
Prince Albert II
