One Minute for our Children & the National Academies of Science Affirm Climate Change

When I write or speak to children about their climate predicament, I tell them these things:

1.     Climate Change is solvable.

2.     You, our youngest generation, have a problem. Even if you are old enough to vote, you are still outnumbered by us old people.

3.     The good news is there is no law prohibiting you from educating parents, grandparents, or any other adult.  Climate change is a threat to your future. You have the moral high ground. You can ask anyone to be attentive to your argument about climate change.

4.     Your knowledge, although supported by the best science in the world, will not be easily accepted by us old folks. After all, we know it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Be patient, I advise, you have 97% of all climate scientists and nearly every science organization on earth working to make your future promising.  You are not alone and the momentum is with you.

5.     Ask an adult if they have just one minute to understand climate science and save your future.  Our National Academies of Science (NAS) and the UKs Royal Academy of Science have a one-minute instructional video at the link following. Simply put it on your smart phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=99&v=n4e5UPu1co0

6.     If your parents are like me, they will need their glasses and a big screen to follow. And, if they are like me, they will have to watch it a few times before it sinks in.

7.     It is OK to be smart; it is even better to be smart and nice.

 The June 18th, 2019 NAS President’s Climate Affirmation:

National Academies Presidents Affirm the Scientific Evidence of Climate Change

“Recently, questions have been raised about climate science. The National Academies have addressed many of these questions in our independent, evidence-based reports. We are speaking out to support the cumulative scientific evidence for climate change and the scientists who continue to advance our understanding.

Scientists have known for some time, from multiple lines of evidence, that humans are changing Earth’s climate, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions. The evidence on the impacts of climate change is also clear and growing. The atmosphere and the Earth’s oceans are warming, the magnitude and frequency of certain extreme events are increasing, and sea level is rising along our coasts.

The National Academies are focused on further understanding climate change and how to limit its magnitude and adapt to its impacts, including on health. We also recognize the need to more clearly communicate what we know. To that end, in 2018, the National Academies launched an initiative to make it easier for decision makers and the public to use our extensive body of work to inform their decisions. In addition, we will be expanding our Based on Science communications effort to include clear, concise, and evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about climate change.

A solid foundation of scientific evidence on climate change exists. It should be recognized, built upon, and most importantly, acted upon for the benefit of society.”

Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences

C. D. Mote, Jr.
President, National Academy of Engineering

Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine

And for those curious about the NAS “body of work” search national academies of science climate. We oldsters can stay ahead of the kids with a little effort. And when the going gets tough, we have information gurus ready to help us find what we need to know.  They are our kids, grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, or anyone under 35 who was brought up in the information age.  If you don’t have anyone you can turn to library’s are a great source of information and librarians are very willing to help you out. 

They can help us get to the NAS body of work where we can dive into “Understanding the Climate System”, “Assessing and Adapting to Climate Impacts”, “Limiting Future Climate Change”, and “Informing Decisions about Climate Responses”.

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