The latest buzz among climate scientists is the question, "is it too late?"
Several climate scientists have advanced the theory that we've missed our opportunity to mitigate climate change and now have to learn how to adapt. But that doesn't mean some of the leading climate scientists have given up.
Ram Ramanathan, distinguished professor of atmospheric and climate sciences at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, has been studying global warming since the 1970s. This weekend he has an audience with Pope Francis as the Vatican hosts a conference on climate change and its effects around the world.
“In spite of compelling evidence of unsustainable changes to climate and biodiversity, society has been slow to act,” Ramanathan said in a press release. “The heavy price for this inaction will be paid by more than 3 billion poor people earning less than $2 per day. We hope to understand why and explore pathways for sustainable development for all.”
“I’m hoping His Holiness will send a declaration based on our workshop that says, 'We should be good stewards of our planet,’” said Ramanathan. “Just that one sentence. That’s all I want.”
