People in Cardiff were asked their thoughts on climate change, days after scientists announced we face ‘untold suffering’ and declared a climate emergency.
Earlier this week, over 11,000 scientists from 153 countries around the world signed a paper, in which they declared that planet Earth is facing a climate emergency.
This declaration came exactly 40 years after scientists gathered for the First World Climate Conference in Geneva. They agreed in 1979 that alarming climate trends required urgent action and yet despite this, and repeated similar warnings since, greenhouse gas emissions are still rising.
According to the scientists, these emissions are having increasingly damaging effects on our climate and that drastic action is needed. Parliament declared a climate emergency back in May, following protests by Extinction Rebellion.
But how do citizens of Cardiff feel about living in a climate emergency? Do they believe that it is an emergency? Here is what the people we spoke to had to say:
Karen, 49, Nurse
“I feel nervous and anxious about it. I’m trying to do my bit to save the environment but I see other things that are happening and I think what’s the point? There’s a lot of people not bothering to do what they should be doing.”
Roy, 85, Retired
“Honestly, I don’t regard it as a climate emergency. I’ve lived long enough to see that the climate is changing but I’m not an expert, so I don’t know if these changes are natural or man-made.”
Chris, 40, Dentist
“Its not a happy situation. It’s a situation we need to fix, quickly, if not for us then for the next generation. Thats where I come from. I’ve got a 6 year old boy, so for him and for his kids.”
Natsu, 21, Student
“Recently, the climate has changed. It is getting colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. It is very uncomfortable for me. We have to reduce plastic and use more eco-products in our lives.”
Richard, 40, Factory Worker
“I don’t think it is an emergency to be honest at the moment. The ozone layer seems to be rebuilding itself isn’t it? We go in cycles and I think it will work itself out. Obviously we are affecting it in a way but I think it will heal itself.”