Call for Action on Climate Change

The Commonwealth Summit, taking place in London (16 –20th April) will hear a Consensus Statement on Climate Change, launched by 22 national academies and societies of science from around the World, calling for Heads of Government to use the best available science to guide action on climate change.

The statement, which represents the consensus views of tens of thousands of scientists, including those of the Royal Society, marks the first time that Commonwealth nations have come together to urge their Governments to take further action to achieve net-zero greenhouse gases emissions during the second half of the 21st century.

Professor Alex Halliday, Physical Secretary and Vice-President, the Royal Society, said: “The Paris agreement was an important first step, but to meet the target of a 2 °C rise and prevent the profound impacts of climate change will require us to be more ambitious.

“Ahead of the Commonwealth summit, The Royal Society and our partners across the Commonwealth, stand ready to assist national Governments with the sound scientific advice they will need to address this most significant of challenges.”