On May 4 2021, we had the privilege of speaking with Prof. Michael Mann, a distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State and a recognized author of the recent book titled ‘The New Climate War’. The conversation focused on the science of climate change and youth leadership needed in the decade of action.

Prof. Mann spoke about the importance of viewing climate change as an issue of ethics and re-focusing the conversation around this main issue, which has been exemplified by the younger generation. Prof. Mann spoke about his optimism due to the youth-led climate movements and the moral clarity it conveys.

Caroline Sandberg, a young leader from the US, asked about the importance of science-based decision making. Prof. Mann spoke about how science conveys the urgency, which is an important part of the message, but we must also take into account agency, as it’s still possible to prevent the worst effects of climate change. Understanding science allows us to understand the urgency and agency, or ability to act. Science informs our understanding of the climate crisis.

Ricardo Delgado, a young leader from Venezuela, asked Prof. Mann about the Decade of Action and the means to achieve it from a local and global level. Prof. Mann spoke of how demands and pressures from society can lead to effective and powerful change. He spoke about how we can create change by holding decision makers accountable and applying tools of democracy from a local to international levels. Prof. Mann underscored how climate change was a key topic in the US elections in 2020 and how the agreements made by Joe Biden have really moved the scale of commitment at a national and international level. Individual change will not be enough if we do not accompany it with conscious decision making and systemic change.

Finally, Drishya Pathak from the POP Movement asked about science-based policies. Prof. Mann spoke about the importance of identifying the best tools everyone has and the need to use them accordingly, especially since this (climate) issue and solution is not a “one size fits all”. He spoke about the importance of supporting and giving resources to the scientific community so they are able to continue their research and contribute to the science. “There are lots of things scientists can do in addition to contributing to the science; but we need to make sure that there’s support and positive reinforcement to those who step out of the lab to communicate.”

Prof. Mann finished with a very powerful message: “Let’s recognize those who have fallen into despair and let’s explain how they’re still able to do something. We haven’t won the battle yet and we have cleared some hurdles. Let’s not give up now, it’s time to accelerate the efforts. Let’s get to the finish line”

About the Leader:

Prof. Michael E. Mann is Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State, with joint appointments in the Department of Geosciences and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute (EESI). He is also director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center (ESSC). Prof. Mann is the author of several books including his most recent work, “The New Climate War”, which shows how fossil fuel companies have waged a thirty-year campaign to deflect blame and responsibility and delay action on climate change, and offers a battle plan for how we can save the planet.

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