Earth’s “vital signs” are worse than at any time in human history, demonstrating the danger life is in on the planet, warns an international group of scientists.

Their report found that 20 of the 35 planetary vital signs they use to monitor the climate crisis are at extreme record levels. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature and sea level rise, the indicators also include human and animal population numbers.

Several climate records were broken in 2023, including global air temperature, ocean temperature and Antarctic sea ice extent, the researchers said. The highest monthly surface temperature ever recorded was in July and was probably the warmest recorded in the last 100,000 years.

Scientists also recalled the wildfires in Canada that produced unprecedented carbon dioxide emissions. The measurements recorded a total of 1 billion tons of CO2, equivalent to the entire annual output of Japan, the world’s fifth largest polluter. They said the vast area burned could indicate a turning point.

The researchers in their report urge a transition to a global economy that prioritizes human well-being and curbs the overconsumption and excess emissions of the wealthy. 10% accounted for nearly 50% of global emissions in 2019, they argued.

Dr Christopher Wolf, at Oregon State University (OSU) in the US and lead author of the report, said that “without actions that address the basic problem of humanity taking more from the Earth than it can safely give, we are on the way to the possible collapse of physical and socio-economic systems and a world of unbearable heat and shortages of food and fresh water.

“By 2100, areas of 3 to 6 billion people may no longer be habitable due to intense heat, limited food availability and increased mortality rates”.

Professor William Ripple, also at OSU, reported that “life on our planet is clearly under siege. Statistical trends show deeply troubling patterns of climate-related variables and disasters. We also found little progress in humanity’s fight against climate change.”

“Our goal is to share climate data and make policy recommendations. It is the moral duty of our scientists and institutions to alert humanity to any potential existential threat and to take the lead in taking action.”

The analysis, published in the journal Bioscience, this is a 2019 report approved by 15,000 scientists.

“For several decades, scientists have consistently warned of a future characterized by extreme climate conditions caused by continued human activities,” the report says. “Unfortunately, time is up…we are pushing our planetary systems into dangerous instability.”