Scientists worldwide very worried about climate change, Amsterdam study shows

Scientists worldwide are very concerned about climate change. New large-scale research led by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) showed that most of the 9,000 scientists asked are reasonably or very worried about the climate crisis. Over 90 percent think that action needs to be taken now.

Scientists from all disciplines said that fundamental changes are needed in “social, political, and economic systems to really tackle climate change.” Many also think that people's behavior has to change. The UvA sees in the research that a large share have made changes to their lifestyles: 69 percent drive less with their car, 51 percent fly less, and 39 percent eat more plant-based food.

“I hope this noise helps wake people up and pushes them to take action. More and more scientists are doing this,” said Adam Aron, professor of psychology at the University of California in San Diego. He is a co-author of the study. Aron argues that governments and companies are making “empty promises” that downplay the need for changes to combat the impacts of climate change.

The research was published on Monday in the scientific magazine Nature Climate Change. The 9,000 respondents were from 115 countries, all of all ages, and in various scientific disciplines.