Media Contacts
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Angela Campbell
The Nature Conservancy
Email: angela.campbell@tnc.org -
Alessandra Clark
The Nature Conservancy
Email: alessandra.clark@tnc.org
Media Statement from Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist of The Nature Conservancy
“It’s official -- 2024 was the warmest year ever recorded; breaking the record for the fifth time in just 10 years. Even worse, extreme weather disasters in 2024 displaced millions of people and caused billions of dollars in damage around the world. These impacts underscore the urgent need for immediate and sustained action on climate change.
Already, nine out of ten Americans report being personally affected by extreme weather. It’s no wonder the majority of young people globally describe themselves as “extremely worried” about climate change, with some even questioning the future of humanity.
Their concerns are justified. It’s not about saving the planet; it’s about saving ourselves – our communities, our civilization, and most of the living things that share this planet with us.
That’s why, in addition to the increasingly dire news about our warming world, I’m also watching out for a different kind tipping point, one that offers hope: a shift in public opinion. Around the world, more and more people are recognizing how extreme temperatures and weather disasters are harming us and how climate solutions can protect our health, livelihoods and communities.
The science is clear: every fraction of a degree of warming we prevent reduces suffering and saves lives. We already have the technology, the knowledge, and the ability to transition to a clean energy future, cut emissions, and build resilient communities. The biggest thing we’re missing is the collective will to act—and that’s something each of us can help create.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, but so too are the opportunities. By choosing action, we not only protect what we love; we are also building a safer, healthier, and more equitable future. The power to turn awareness into momentum, and momentum into change, is in our hands.
To request a media interview with Katharine Hayhoe email angela.campbell@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.