Fifty scientists from the University of Hawaiʻi are among the more than 15,000 scientists who signed the World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice.
The warning comes on the 25th anniversary of the first warning document.
In 1992 scientists wrote that humanity was pushing Earth’s ecosystems too far and that fundamental changes were needed “if vast human misery is to be avoided.”
Among other issues, scientists cited depletion of marine life, deforestation, climate change and population growth.
In this year’s follow-up notice scientists say that humanity, for the most part, has failed to address critical issues, particularly climate change.
“What most people don’t understand is that environmental threats are worsening at a faster and faster pace,” said Mark Hixon, UH Mānoa professor and Hsiao Endowed Chair in Marine Biology. “If we don’t act decisively and soon, it will be too late for our grandchildren,” Hixon said.
The signees
All of the UH signees are with UH Mānoa, unless otherwise noted.
Two scientists who also signed the 1992 warning are noted with an asterisk.
Greta Aeby (no longer at UH)
Alexandra Barkman
Renee Bellinger (UH Hilo)
Charles Birkeland
Keith Burnett (UH Hilo)
Richard Coleman
Lisa Crampton
Laura Damiani
Edward DeMartini
Paul Den Uyl
Camiel Doorenweerd
Donald Drake
Caree Edens
Natasha Edwin (UH Hilo)
John Eppley
Gabe Foreman
Erik Franklin
Karen Gallardo Cruz (UH Hilo)
Martin Helmkampf
Jessica Hintzsche
Mark Hixon*
Cynthia Hunter
Andrea Jani
David Karl
Ingrid Knapp
Jonathan Koch (UH Hilo)
Derek Kraft
Paul Krushelnycky
Fuyan Li
Javier Mendez*
Camilo Mora
Paul Nachtigall
Tyler Phelps (UH Hilo)
Erin Pickett
Shimona Quazi
Bradley Reil
Robert Richmond
Kuulei Rodgers
Daniel Rubinoff
Christopher Schvarcz
Oscar Sosa
William Steiner (UH Hilo)
Ryan Tabata
Philip Thomas
Kaho Tisthammer
Robert Toonen
Casper Vanderwoude
Lindsay Veazey
Megan Vynne
Elisha Wood-Charlson
