Scientists at the 60th United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations/Department of Public Information conference said it is impossible to predict exact changes in the climatic condition of the world. However, they emphasized that the effects of global warming can be mitigated with the reduction of greenhouse gases.

The conference concluded with two urgent tasks at hand, namely to limit the emission of greenhouse gases, and to educate people about the effects of global warming.

According to Micheal Oppenheimer, professor of geosciences and international affairs in the Woodrow Wilson School and the Department of Geosciences at the Princeton University, it is important to know the most effective methods to resolve the environmental crisis at hand.

“In the short term, we have to tackle the problems with scientific methods to curb the greenhouse gases,” Oppenheimer said as he presented scientific evidences of global warming at the conference. “You must then try to change the people’s heart and mind to protect the Earth in the long run.”

Adnan Amin, director of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, said mankind has been procrastinating in resolving the environmental problem, despite their exposure and knowledge about the issue on climate change.

“Complexities of issues freeze the mind,” he said. “When people feel hopeless about the problem, they tune out the problem.”

Amin said it is therefore vital to remind people that the problem of global warming is a reality, and that this “global climate crisis” needs immediate rectification and attention.

“It is our collective responsibility to make things work,” he said.

He added that although the impact of global warming would be more serious in poor and developing countries, a weakness in any part of the global society will affect the other parts as well. Therefore, “collective international actions” are essential to resolve the crisis, and developed countries must assist the less developed countries in quantifying and managing the effects of climate change.

Maria Ivanova, assistant professor of governmental and environment policy at the College of William and Mary, said some necessary changes in peoples’ lives and systems are vital in resolving the problem.

“When there’s a crisis, there’s opening for change,” Ivanova said.

Governments in some countries were also criticized of showing insufficient intent in stabilizing the climate, and inability to deal with consequences of global warming at the conference.

Ivanova said although Singaporeans are aware of the crisis ahead, they have not taken enough actions to help protect the environment. She added that the younger generations should start taking measures to prevent further depletion of the ozone layer.

Ivanova also said she believes that every individual has the ability to make a difference and not silently suffer the brunt from the effects.