Statement of the European Society for Environmental History Board

In solidarity with the students mobilizing against climate change

We, as environmental historians, are deeply concerned about the climate crisis the world is facing today. Overwhelming scientific evidence shows clearly that climate change is caused by human actions.
As historians we know that humanity has faced climate variations before, and these have had historical effects. But humanity has not experienced climate change as rapid and extensive as that which we now face, more so if we fail to address the human causes.
As scholars and teachers, we wish to express our solidarity with the thousands of students who are — in different ways — raising their voices to ask for concrete and urgent measures to address climate change.
We commit ourselves as scholars and teachers to foster knowledge which can help to understand the present crisis and nurture the culture of care for our common home that young generations are demanding.

The European Society for Environmental History Board