How do we overcome the apparent unreadiness of the scientific community to take a leadership role in addressing the interrelated ecological, biological, social, and economic complexities of the global catastrophe we are currently experiencing before it is too late?

Actions taken by the scientific community must consider the complex interrelationship between the crises. It is the combined impact of Climate Change+ the Ecological Emergency+ Global Warming + the Global Economic Crisis + Armed Conflict + Public Health Emergencies + Extreme Poverty that has brought the planet and its people to breaking point. These crises have created an unprecedented catastrophe of unparalleled complexity.

Attention must also be paid to human life on the planet. We are a species first — biologically, physiologically, psychologically, and emotionally – before we are separated by gender, ethnicity, race, religion, politics or national identity. There is much that can be accomplished if we work with people to preserve biodiversity. It is critical that scientists harness both new and old media to engage with governments, financial institutions, industry, NGO’s, educational institutions, and people.

Global networks of scientists need to spend time in communities, understand local conditions and support local initiatives. Mathematical models will not help us understand human misery caused by the destruction of ecosystems. For many, harmony of living with the Earth has been destroyed by wars, the removal of natural resources by industry, and the co-opting of land for agribusiness. One billion people are already at the point of starvation. We will not reach those who live so close to death with our one hundred facts about the global crises. They are in crisis and it is already deadly.

It is also critical we make the health and well-being of women central to the ecological survival of the planet, and their education a global priority. Protect women’s reproductive rights and they will have fewer children – but their children will be healthy. The mantra should be “what’s good for the planet is good for the humanity,” and the shifts in thinking and behavior will begin to take place. The task is monumental. We should begin immediately.

Denny Taylor, ICEC, Hofstra Univerisity