@theeconomist

Activists are “indispensable” for climate action, argues Heleen de Coninck, an IPCC lead author.⁠ ⁠ “Although the public may believe that scientists are voicing mere opinions on climate policy, they are usually in fact stating scholarly conclusions,” she writes. ⁠ ⁠ Ambitious and transformative societal changes are needed to hit climate targets, the climate scientist says. “It sounds activist, but it is the inescapable truth and the result of research.” ⁠ ⁠ She applaudes climate activists for amplifying such scientific results, but warns against overstating the case: “it is doubtful that preaching doom will spur sustained action.”⁠ ⁠ “Still,” she adds, “as a scientist and an IPCC author who is inside the tent of international policymaking, I am thrilled with activism.” To read how she believes activists can spur policymakers, click on the link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ Illustration: @dan.will

November 22, 2021