G8+5 science academies call for action on climate change

Today the science academies for the G8+5 countries issued statements urging leaders worldwide to take action on two pressing global challenges. To mitigate and adapt to climate change, nations must begin a transition to being "low-carbon societies," a shift that will require energy-saving changes in all sectors -- from housing to transportation to industry -- and the development of a range of clean energy sources. Meeting global health challenges, such as infectious disease outbreaks and the rising incidence of lifestyle-linked diseases such as diabetes, will require stronger collaboration among nations, as well as the strengthening of their health systems and health work force.

THE STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. To obtain copies please contact the National Academies' Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu. The statements are also available at www.nationalacademies.org.