Climate scientists have been ignored for 40 years – but we must start listening now

Analysis: 11,000 scientists from 153 countries warn that continuing to do nothing will cause ‘untold human suffering’, writes Phoebe Weston

The letter, which has been signed by 11,000 scientists, is pleading for change after decades of inactivity (Getty)

People in power have known about climate change for 40 years and done nothing. In 1979, scientists from 50 nations met at the First World Climate Conference in Geneva and discussed what they should do.

World leaders listened but basically nothing happened – more “immediate” political concerns took priority – and emissions continued to spiral into unknown territory.

With every passing year, this environmental catastrophe becomes harder to deal with. Now 11,000 scientists from 153 countries warn that if governments continue to do nothing rising global emissions will cause “untold human suffering”.