quotes40 Climate Change Quotes Echoing Urgency To Save The Planet
Climate change holds a critical weight in our world today, but it's not a fight we will allow to tower over us. Insights from influential figures, from youth leader Greta Thunberg to former archbishop Desmond Tutu, give perspective to this global issue. Let's absorb their messages and join the movement to protect our planet.
Quick links to our selection of climate change quotes:
Best Climate Change Quotes Explaining The Global Issue
The current climate change situation hits hard, and we must constantly update ourselves on what is happening. A recent report by Copernicus Climate Change Service elucidates that a significant hike of 1.52°C in the average world temperature occurred from February 2023 to January 2024.
This increment oversteps the bracket of 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels, an upper limit pledged to be maintained by the signatories of the Paris climate treaty. It is indisputable that the fight against climate change is at a crucial juncture.
For more context, consider these thoughtfully selected quotes that give gravity to the extent of this global issue.
Related Read: Climate Change Facts & Statistics.
"Climate change is a terrible problem, and it absolutely needs to be solved. It deserves to be a huge priority."
- Bill Gates
"One of the biggest obstacles to making a start on climate change is that it has become a cliche before it has even been understood"
- Tim Flannery
"We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it."
- Barack Obama
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
- Robert Swan
"A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
"We are running the most dangerous experiment in history right now, which is to see how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before there is an environmental catastrophe."
- Elon Musk
Alarming Quotes On Climate Change And Global Warming
The Earth's climate has never experienced such a rapid heating phase as it does today. Caused by various natural phenomena, our planet experienced multiple climate changes thousands and millions of years ago.
Now, Earth is undergoing a swift climb in temperature, setting off a chain of disruptive events - intensified heat waves, disappearing habitats, rising sea levels, reduction of biodiversity, and many more.
Every living thing is impacted by this domino effect triggered by climate change. Here are some compelling quotes reflecting this alarming message.
"Twenty-five years ago, people could be excused for not knowing much, or doing much, about climate change. Today we have no excuse."
- Desmond Tutu
"The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time. We are facing a global climate crisis. It is deepening. We are entering a period of consequences."
- Al Gore
"We are, in fact, climate negative. But despite this, we are highly climate vulnerable ... Promises made must be kept. Therefore, on behalf of all children and the next generation, we urgently call on historic emitters to do their part to safeguard our world. My country is doing our part with the limited resources and capacity."
- Chandrikapersad Santokhi
Climate Change Quotes Reflecting Urgency And Accountability
Undeniably, every individual's actions bear significance in the fight against climate change. It's vital to realize that every little carbon footprint reduction counts, and when you multiply that by approximately 8 billion people, the impact is immense.
Each one of us can make a difference by choosing a sustainable lifestyle through conscious consumption, clean transportation, responsible waste disposal, and many more. This isn't just about individual responsibility - it's about collective accountability in safeguarding our planet.
After reading the climate change quotes below, be part of the solution by checking our list of ways to reduce carbon footprint.
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
- Dr. Jane Goodall
"Pollution and climate change by excessive burning of fossil fuels are real threats , not the people who warn that we must take these threats seriously."
- David Suzuki
"The less we do to address climate change now, the more regulation we will have in the future."
- Bill Nye
"We don't have time to sit on our hands as our planet burns . For young people, climate change is bigger than election or re-election. It's life or death."
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
"We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet."
- Stephen Hawking
"Dealing with global warming doesn't mean we have all got to suddenly stop breathing. Dealing with global warming means that we have to stop waste, and if you travel for no reason whatsoever, that is a waste."
- David Attenborough
Notable Climate Change Quotes About Widescale Community Action
Stepping up against climate change demands more than individual actions. It calls for collective agreement and active collaboration.
To make a significant impact, we must set aside our differences for our common goal: protecting our planet. Perspectives must shift, priorities must change, and action must be taken.
Furthermore, it's time we start caring about the communities most affected by climate change. Let's stand together, transcending all disparities to help our own because, in the end, we are all sharing the same home.
"Indigenous people, local communities, young people, women and girls, should be leaders of climate action and not victims of climate policies."
- Archana Soreng
"The time for seeking global solutions is running out. We can find suitable solutions only if we act together and in agreement."
- Pope Francis
"Climate change is a huge challenge , but it can be brought in line if governments, businesses and individuals work together."
- Sir Richard Branson
"Believe in the power of your own voice. The more noise you make, the more accountability you demand from your leaders, the more our world will change for the better."
- Al Gore
"Now is the time to listen to the people and communities most impacted by the climate crisis, support their initiatives, and take action internally and externally to voice your solidarity."
- Eric Johnson
More Messages Pushing Action Against Climate Change
The urgency to act against climate change is evident in the thoughts voiced by various planet warriors.
One message emphasizes that without a healthy environment, economic wealth amounts to nothing. Another sentiment insists on amplifying marginalized voices when planning to save Earth. Lastly, the last quote discusses leaving a green legacy for future generations.
What other message do you want to put out in the world?
"If you really think that the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money."
- Guy McPherson
"I hold a vision of this blue green planet, safe and in balance. At the end of the Fossil Fuel Era, we are emerging to a new reality. We are ready to make the next leap – as momentous as abolishing slavery or giving women the vote."
- Elizabeth May
"We can't save the planet without uplifting the voices of its people, especially those most often unheard."
- Leah Thomas
"These young people are saying we all have a right to know what is in the air we breathe, in the water we drink, and the food we eat. It is our responsibility to leave this planet cleaner and greener. That must be our legacy."
- John Lewis
Greta Thunberg Quotes On Climate Change
We cannot talk about climate change without mentioning Greta Thunberg. Born in 2003, she is a well-known Swedish environmental activist full of dedication at such a young age.
In 2018, leading to the Swedish elections, she initiated the School Strike for Climate, which caught global attention. The rise in youth climate action can largely be attributed to her influence. Since then, Thunberg's movement, Fridays for Future, continued to gain momentum.
Her voice echoed in the halls of the World Economic Forum, the European Parliament, and various national legislatures, reinforcing the power of the youth’s voice for the cause.
"We can no longer let the people in power decide what is politically possible. We can no longer let the people in power decide what hope is. Hope is not passive. Hope is not blah, blah, blah. Hope is telling the truth. Hope is taking action. And hope always comes from the people."
- Greta Thunberg, At the Youth4Climate summit in Milan
"The climate crisis is both the easiest and the hardest issue we have ever faced. The easiest because we know what we must do. We must stop the emissions of greenhouse gases. The hardest because our current economics are still totally dependent on burning fossil fuels, and thereby destroying ecosystems in order to create everlasting economic growth."
- Greta Thunberg, In an address to the British Parliament
"The main solution is so simple that even a small child can understand it. We have to stop the emission of greenhouse gases."
- Greta Thunberg
"Build back better. Blah, blah, blah. Green economy. Blah blah blah. Net zero by 2050. Blah, blah, blah, This is all we hear from our so-called leaders. Words that sound great but so far have not led to action. Our hopes and ambitions drown in their empty promises."
- Greta Thunberg
Quotes By Influential Figures Showing Support For Climate Action
Renowned figures worldwide are championing the cause for robust climate action. For example, actors Mark Ruffalo and Don Cheadle are part of The Solutions Project. Started in 2011, this organization aids the United States to use 100% renewable energy.
There's also businessman and hedge fund manager Tom Steyer, who founded a climate-focused investment firm called Galvanize Climate Solutions. Even former US President Obama advocated vigorously for environmental protection during his term.
Follow other green advocates and use their influence to rally more supporters against climate change.
"Climate change is the greatest threat to our existence in our short history on this planet. Nobody's going to buy their way out of its effects."
- Mark Ruffalo
"I hope to use my celebrity to motivate people and contribute to moving our global society back from the brink. I am surprised the environment is not at the top of the list. What is more important than good and clean air?"
- Don Cheadle
"Climate change, if unchecked, is an urgent threat to health, food supplies, biodiversity, and livelihoods across the globe."
- John F. Kerry
"Demanding that our leaders take action on climate change is about a lot more than polar bears and ice caps; it's about safeguarding our health, preserving our prosperity, and protecting the future of our children."
- Tom Steyer
"There's one issue that will define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other, and that is the urgent threat of a changing climate."
- Barack Obama
Climate Change Quotes From United Nations
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) initiated the Conference of the Parties (COP). This apex authority assesses the global efforts against climate change. Usually held every last quarter of the year, world leaders convene in different cities.
Keeping updated with the deliberations and decisions of this body allows us to be informed about climate change - right from the mouths of leaders and scientists. Apart from this annual convention, we should also keep our eyes on other climate discussions by reputable speakers and organizations.
Here are some memorable and powerful excerpts from the speeches of former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Kofi Annan.
"Climate change does not respect border; it does not respect who you are — rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call ‘global challenges,' which require global solidarity."
- Ban Ki-moon
"Climate change is the single greatest threat to a sustainable future but, at the same time, addressing the climate challenge presents a golden opportunity to promote prosperity, security and a brighter future for all."
- Ban Ki-Moon
"The world is reaching the tipping point beyond which climate change may become irreversible. If this happens, we risk denying present and future generations the right to a healthy and sustainable planet – the whole of humanity stands to lose."
- Kofi Annan
Short Climate Change Caption To Post Online
Social media has become a potent tool for heightening awareness and inciting action against climate change. Important events like Climate Week, Earth Day, and Zero Emissions Day are observed annually, further strengthening this cause.
However, let's take this momentum beyond these special days by consistently spreading awareness and urging decisive action, both online and offline. Use the following climate change quotes to amplify your message.
"Global warming is too serious for the world any longer to ignore its danger or split into opposing factions on it."
- Tony Blair
"Men argue. Nature acts."
- Voltaire
"The Earth should not be a worse place after my life than it was when I was born here."
- Rob Stewart
"I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is."
- Greta Thunberg
