EXPERTS TO SET UP SCIENTIFIC GOALS FOR A STABLE PLANET

NEWDELHI: A panel of international experts has been set up to identify risks and establish scientific targets for a stable planet, focusing on climate, land, water bodies and biodiversity.

By 2021, the Earth Commission is expected to identify 10 or more crucial indicators - including climate change - which reflect the overall health of the planet.

Prominent scientists Johan Rockström, Joyeeta Gupta and Dahe Qin are spearheading the commission that comprises 19 representatives from 13 countries, including India.

In a statement, Rockström pointed out, “The Amazon fires, the rapidly warming Arctic, dying coral reefs, unprecedented heatwaves and floods across the world are the clearest signals yet that human activities are pushing the planet further and further from the stable state we have enjoyed for 10,000 years.”

Rockström, who is co-chair of the Earth Commission, is also director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany.

Dr Govindasamy Bala, commission member from India, warned, “We all know about climate change and what the cut-off limit is, after which the Earth systems would become unstable. No one talks of such thresholds for, say, biodiversity, ocean acidification or land use.”

The new panel will offer solutions to help countries meet the scientific targets. The goal is to eventually translate them into practical steps for governing bodies and businesses.