Commonwealth academies of science move to tackle climate change

The Commonwealth Academies of Science have urged Heads of Government to deploy scientific evidence in tackling climate change.

This, the academies noted, was in line with the 2030 commitments under the Paris Accord.

A target to limit warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, was recognised by 160 countries that ratified the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

This bold and vital step towards addressing climate change was launched yesterday by 22 commonwealth science academies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS).

The consensus statement on climate change was unveiled ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Summit in the United Kingdom.

According to the measures, developed member countries must meet their Paris targets, to achieve net-zero global greenhouse gas emissions in the second half of the century.

This would be followed by active decarbonisation of the atmosphere.

It, however, noted that developing member countries might require a longer time frame, and additional support and capacity building.

The consensus statement, which represents the collective view of tens of thousands of scientists, marks the first time that the Commonwealth nations have come together to offer active support.