This apathy is not neutral, it is actively damaging to our planet and its inhabitants. We are running out of time as we’ve waited for a political leader whose rhetoric reflects the severity of the climate crisis, much less one who’s met their rhetoric with action. It is still uncommon to hear the term “climate emergency” used among policymakers, even though we scientists use the term intentionally to accurately describe the crisis now facing humanity. It is crucial that the Biden administration’s language reflects the severity of this crisis as well. It is the first step on the long road of action before us.

I am the lead author of “World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency,” which nearly 14,000 scientists from 156 countries have signed. Many of these signatories are members of the Alliance of World Scientists. In this paper, we propose six transformative steps for climate mitigation (recently discussed by thought leaders) and detail the “moral obligation to clearly warn humanity of any catastrophic threat and to tell it like it is.” We chose the term “climate emergency” because language is important in both science and policy.

The climate emergency already drives conflicts and suffering globally, and we are not alone in demanding an equally urgent response. To date, 1,864 jurisdictions around the world have issued climate emergency declarations covering more than 820 million people in 33 countries. In 2019, the European Union declared a climate emergency. Recently, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged all nations to follow suit. Now I am asking that we act accordingly.

Much like America’s own government, climate change is an issue of the people. And while Biden must take the lead in moving our country toward a solution, he need not act alone politically. Members of both the House and the Senate have already introduced resolutions declaring a “climate emergency.” I urge president Biden to join the 103 House and eight Senate co-sponsors to take action and support these efforts. I realize that a congressional resolution might be difficult given ongoing party conflicts and stalemates. In this case, Biden must move forward regardless. For example, he could ensure the protection of natural ecosystems that sequester large amounts of carbon such as Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.

This story originally appeared in The Seattle Times and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.