Earth’s ‘vital signs’ show humanity’s future in balance, say climate experts

Record emissions, temperatures and population mean more scientists are looking into possibility of societal collapse, report says

Many of Earth's vital signs" have hit record extremes, indicating that the future of humanity hangs in the balance", a group of the world's most senior climate experts have said.

More and more scientists are now looking into the possibility of societal collapse, says the report, which assessed 35 vital signs in 2023 and found that 25 were worse than ever recorded, including carbon dioxide levels and human population. This indicates a critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis", it says.