Climate: No time – no way!
The Paris Agreement stipulates that global warming must be limited to well below two degrees Celsius. If we do not act, we will face virtually unimaginable consequences. The youth of today needs a home on earth in 2060 and a future with prospects for their children. Physics students know how important it is for all of us to achieve this goal. And to this end, they are working on a video project aimed at securing the engagement of the scientific community.
From the smallest particle to the large dimensions far beyond our solar system, physicists dedicate their time to exploring the nature of our home planet and the universe. Every day, they observe the uniqueness and vulnerability of this incredibly diverse system, the balance of which we humans are now threatening.
Natural scientists know what they are talking about.
Working with clear data and validated research results, researchers are no longer in doubt about the urgency of the need for us to change direction. We all must recognise this fact and act accordingly. Through innovation and forward-looking decisions and by adapting our consumer behaviour. Every year we fail to take action increases the damage to our climate and drives up the costs of climate catastrophe.
Older cohorts – what is their contribution to the future?
These costs are the very reason why physics students at ETH Zurich are calling for action. They study hard to develop new sustainable technologies that can be rolled out in the near future and take important decisions once they attain the relevant positions. They are already involved in associations and networks dedicated to ensuring the implementation of the goals laid down by the Paris Climate Conference. And they want to know what the older generation are doing about their common future. With these aims in mind, they are working on a video series aimed at securing the engagement of the scientific community.
From vision to the screen
The project outline for the videos was developed in the summer of 2020 on the fringes of physics professor Niklas Beisert’s CO2 working group. Since then, a core group of four students has acquired the necessary know-how and technical equipment and further developed the idea into the video series – alongside exams and term papers. They have secured the engagement of video partners for their project and have shot various versions to get closer to their ideas. The current video is the basis for the later launch of the planned short video series. In each video, a physicist is interviewed about their commitment to sustainability. In doing so, they give examples of sustainable action by the scientific community. Because the climate will not wait until we get around to taking action.
This means that the project team can now plan and implement the further necessary steps. The series will be published on suitable social media channels and thus reach students and researchers. Each video is planned to be accompanied by an in-depth article.