Environmental scientists should partner with humanists in the fight against climate change, according to researchers at the University of Manchester.
Writing in the journal Nature Climate Change, researchers from the University of Manchester detailed how further discussions must take place on ways in which our world can be preserved.
The authors suggest there are problems with environmental scientists offering practical solutions to a fast-changing Earth – one where climatic zones will shift and sea levels will rise significantly.
Lead author Noel Castree, a Professor of Geography at the University, said: “What is needed is a deeper appreciation that such change will cause fundamental disagreements about responsibilities, rights and duties – among humans and towards nature.
“We think social scientists and humanists could significantly enrich public debates about how to respond to environmental change.”
Environmental scientists are the primary providers of data on global warming.
Their research and conclusions are used by numerous entities around the world to develop and enhance initiatives to combat the growing crisis.
While Professor Castree values their contribution, he firmly believes their sole input is not enough to curb the problem.
He said: “We are grateful that environmental scientists alert us to the impact that people are having on our planet like shifting climatic zones and rising sea levels.
“But knowing how to respond to these impacts requires a broader skill-set than natural science alone provides.
“It requires honest recognition of, and mature discussion about, the different values that can guide humans towards a different, better future.”
The global increase in temperatures, the melting of ice in the Arctic and the frequency of unusual weather occurrences are all linked to climate change.
Experts anticipate greater frequency and intensity of these occurrences if current global warming trends continue.
Image courtesy of Mikael Miettinen, with thanks.
