It's Later Than You Think?

I get a bit irritated by headlines, that include the words 'top scientists'. This implies that there are 'bottom scientists', unworthy of being heard. Irrespective of my gripe, 17 of the former variety have produced a frightening report. Their review is based on findings from 150 studies, concerned with the environmental challenges faced by the planet (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/13/top-scientists-warn-of-ghastly-future-of-mass-extinction-and-climate-disruption-aoe). Their picture, with its 'ghastly future', is not a happy one. The 'magnificient 17' claim that the Earth is in a much worse state than most people (including 'lesser scientists'?) appreciate. They suggest, that a combination of biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, will lead to mass migrations, more pandemics and conflict over declining resources in human populations. Unfortunately, they might well be right. Our leaders have a tendency (as I have frequently said) to talk the talk without walking the walk. They also know that people prefer optimism, even when this has no basis.