Pressure is mounting on the Royal Society, as over 1,200 esteemed academics urge the renowned scientific association to issue a resolute condemnation of the fossil fuel industry. These leading scholars have penned a letter to the prestigious body, comprising some of the world’s most eminent scientists, seeking an “unambiguous statement about the culpability of the fossil fuel industry in driving the climate crisis.”
The Royal Society has consented to meet with representatives of the academics to engage in discussions about their demands, with the majority of signatories based in the UK.
The letter asserts, “The Royal Society has thus far failed to condemn fossil fuel companies that are building new infrastructure that will carry the world far beyond 1.5 degrees of warming and that are lobbying across the world to dictate the pace and terms of an energy transition that will protect their profits at the planet’s expense.”
Referring to a statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the letter goes on to state that these companies are “committing an unprecedented act of violence against humanity.”
“It is imperative that our premier scientific institutions recognize this fact and condemn the agents in question, and the governments that permit their activities, in the strongest possible terms.”
Jason Scott-Warren, an early modern literature and culture professor at Cambridge University and the organizer of the letter, expressed frustration with the Royal Society’s perceived lack of alignment with influential figures like Guterres. He emphasized the need to view the gas industry similarly to the tobacco industry, citing a propagation of misinformation for profit.
While recognizing itself as a voice in the policy debate, the Royal Society is urged to adopt a more radical stance in addressing climate change.
In response, Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, acknowledged the urgent global threat posed by climate change. He affirmed the society’s long-standing commitment to addressing climate change and emphasized the necessity for energy companies to transition to renewable energy sources swiftly.
The Royal Society remains dedicated to working with governments, both in the UK and internationally, to drive rapid change across industries and society as a whole.
A spokesperson for the Royal Society confirmed that arrangements are underway for a meeting between some of the letter’s signatories and representatives of the society.
UN Secretary-General Guterres has previously stated that fossil fuel producers and financiers exert significant influence on climate change. He drew parallels between their tactics and those used by the tobacco industry, emphasizing the responsibility they bear for climate change and the need for accountability.
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society has a mission to promote excellence in science for the benefit of humanity, making it the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
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