Earth Day 2020 will mark 50 years since the first nationwide effort to educate the public and raise awareness of environmental issues that threaten the health and sustainability of the planet.
The impacts of global climate change are no less visible at regional and local levels. In the Midwest in 2018, local governments grappled with the costs and cleanup of a 500-year flood, which damaged thousands of homes, while recently erosion has forever changed the shorelines along Lake Michigan.
鈥淏y the 2070s, changes in global climate will likely include strong warming across the globe, up to 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) relative to late 20th century climate,鈥� said , associate professor in the . 鈥淲e鈥檒l expect to see shifts in precipitation that are regionally specific. For example, California, along with states in the southwest region will likely be substantially drier than historical conditions, while the Midwest will be substantially wetter. These global impacts will result in extreme damage to human and natural systems in vulnerable communities, making mitigation efforts to control greenhouse gasses and adaptation efforts to reduce impacts important priorities for governments and communities around the world 鈥斺�� now and in the future.鈥�
91吃瓜鈥檚 climate scientists are among the millions of Americans now staying safe at home, remotely teaching their students through the coronavirus pandemic. Most, if not all of current field research projects, are on hold. The planet looks very different today than it did 50 years ago. During an historical and uncertain time, they imagine what the planet will look like 50 years from now.
Their responses underscore the reality of a world in concurrent crises, an undeniable need for action now and hope for the future.
听
鈥楢 new lens鈥�
听
鈥淭he pandemic will shape how I see the world moving forward, so I answer this question through a new lens. Over the past weeks, while global activity we once thought was unstoppable has ground to a halt, our natural world continues to show us what is possible. We see evidence of cleaner air, clearer water, and the sounds of nature ringing true in our ears as spring arrives once again. In 50 years, I hope we will have learned how to strike a more harmonious balance whereby both humans and the natural world can thrive.鈥�
, director of the
and the Ludmilla F., Stephen J., and Robert T. Galla
听
听鈥淥ur planet will look back with gratitude at the cognizance born from the great darkness of this coronavirus, which will have heightened awareness of human听impacts on ecosystems and how those could foster novel viruses. New modalities for virtual work and collaboration, reducing energy consumption and pollution,听could be just the beginning of a movement that听fosters greater respect for nature, its creatures and the environment, while enabling more seamless听balance of home and work life to help families thrive.鈥�
,
Leo E. and Patti Ruth Linbeck Collegiate Chair and Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, Associate Professor of Global Affairs, Co-Director, Integration Lab, Keough School of Global Affairs听听
The future need for climate action now
鈥淟ower emissions of pollutants听in our atmosphere听during recent听coronavirus听shutdowns is an indicator of what our planet听would be听in 50 years if we embrace renewable energy for travel, home and commercial needs.听We need to find ways to minimize the carbon footprint by embracing clean, green, energy quickly."
,
Rev. John A. Zahm, C.S.C., Professor of
听
鈥淚n 50 years, if we allow it to happen, we may live on a warmer planet devoid of polar ice caps and glaciers, with higher seas that inundate coastal areas, and a larger human population that demands more and more food and natural resources from a depleted Earth.听Countries will battle over limited fresh water, the most important resource听on the planet. However, respect for our fragile planet can reverse these trends, and our children today will lead the way to a better future.鈥�
,
Professor of Biological Sciences
Hope for the future
鈥淥ur Earth will be a more salubrious planet, with its inhabitants having realized and appreciated听鈥斕�through unpredictable events 鈥斕�that it is a privilege from heaven to live on it.鈥�
,
the Wayne and Diana Murdy Professor
of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
听
鈥淚n 50 years, our planet will be recovering. The students at 91吃瓜 today will spend their entire adult lives addressing and adjusting to the long-term consequences of environmental changes underway now.鈥�
,
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
听
Learn more about how researchers at the University of 91吃瓜 are working to find solutions to society鈥檚 most complex, environmental challenges at .
听
Contact: Jessica Sieff, assistant director of media relations, 574-631-3933, jsieff@nd.edu