Thread by @Agent350

It's time to #UniteBehindTheScience!

@GretaThunberg and @Luisamneubauer are hosting a panel at #COP25 to shine a spotlight on the latest #climate science.

So let's get scientific! Here's the latest from the world's top scientists 👉

“Mine and @Luisamneubauer’s voice have been heard many times, but we also need to listen to the scientists and the experts,” @GretaThunberg, kicking off a science panel at #COP25.

"The sad side of the story is that people seem to have forgotten that talking won't solve the problem: we need real action," @Luisamneubauer #COP25

“Research and our own experience has shown that such diversity and perspectives makes the research more robust and representative of our global understanding of climate change,” says Ko Barrett, the IPCC Vice Chair.

"What happens if we warm the world and cause it to spin off into whatever the opposite of an ice age is?" asks Sivan Kartha, Stockholm Environment Institute. "That's looking at an existential risk and deciding to take a gamble. That's not science. That's madness."
#COP25

"The only way we can make emissions go to zero around the world is if its most privileged inhabitants...if they eliminate their emissions and if they extend their privilege to those around the world so they can do the same," Sivan Kartha, SEI. #UniteBehindTheScience

"This change in the climate is actually a symptom of the unsustainable way that we have been unraveling the fabric of life on this planet," William Moomaw, The Fletcher School.

We're destroying the very ecosystems that protect us, he explains. #COP25 #UniteBehindTheScience

Moomaw goes directly at the "myth" of climate neutrality.

In order to meet the 1.5° goal, he explains, we have to drive emissions to *zero.* You can't cheat your way out of the crisis with offsets, forest credits, and other schemes.

The atmosphere can't be tricked.

"When we talk about record ice loss, when we talk about ocean acidification, who is on the frontlines of these changes?" asks Rachel Cleetus, Union of Concerned Scientists.

"The human toll of climate change is really severe and significant." #UniteBehindTheScience

"The recent UNEP emissions gap report shows that we're far off track," says Rachel.

But wee know how to cut emissions:
- End fossil fuels
- Ramp up renewables
- Restore ecosystems

So let's get to work. #UniteBehindTheScience unenvironment.org/interactive/em…

"The reason we're here is because of the deep pockets of the fossil fuel industry. They've been misrepresenting the science and blocking action," says Rachel. "Scientists are getting off the sidelines."

Yes! Efforts like @MarchForScience are so key! marchforscience.org

The IPCC report showed that limiting warming to 1.5° goes in hand with other goals, explains Youba Sokona, IPCC Vice-Chair.

It's also key to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

Our struggles are connected. ipcc.ch/sr15/

"The science is as clear as a crystal: every bit of warming matters, every year matters, every change matters," Youba Sokona, IPCC Vice-Chair. #UniteBehindTheScience

"Make no mistake: without significant action from national governments, we're not going to meet our scientific goals," says Rachel Cleetus, Union of Concerned Scientists.

Do what you can as an individual -- but don't stop there. We need systems change.

"Since we can't wait for the children to grow up and be in charge, we need to educate the adults who are in charge today," says @GretaThunberg.

That's a damn good point: maybe it's time for politicians to go back to school on #climate science?

@GretaThunberg "It's crucial that you make change in a way that helps you maintain hope. Hope is something that will allow this problem to be solved," Sivan Kartha, Stockholm Environment Institute on a beautiful closing note.

@GretaThunberg "Democracy doesn't just take place on election day, it takes place every second," says @GretaThunberg.

It's all of our job to learn about the science and then get into the streets and fight for change.

Let's get back to work! #UniteBehindTheScience #COP25 #COP25Madrid