Some People Don't Believe In Climate Change. But Why?

It's no secret that there are people within the world's population that will downright deny that climate change is even a thing. But how can people ignore the devastating changes going on right in front of our eyes? Why do people push the inevitable problem away until we can do nothing about it? According to Climate Chat, 7 in 10 Americans understand that the climate is changing. But what about those 3 people who don't understand? What do they believe? What holds them back from accepting the truth? Let's discuss.

Scientists can almost unanimously agree that climate change is a serious threat that is rapidly destroying our planet. Our oceans are rising, the glaciers are melting, dangerous weather events are becoming more frequent, the permafrost is thawing, and the climate is increasing droughts and hunger crises (not to mention the other countless threats that come with the world heating up). With these effects going on and progressing every single day, sometimes it is hard for me to believe that this is something that doesn't worry some people (mainly, because they don't believe it is happening!). I have always had one question for skeptics: why? Well, thanks to the Public Religion Research Institute, we have some aswers. Let's analyze and dissect the main causes and reasonings for being skeptical about climate change (view the full report here).

#1 "It's still cold outside!"

If you have ever had a conversation with someone who doesn't fully believe in climate change, you have definitely heard this statement. The fact is true: it is still cold outside. The first thing to remember, is that climate change hasn't eliminated the season of winter. But, while winter is still around, the effects of winter are significantly lesser. Winter-time when I was six is very different from the winters now at 17.

The other important aspect to remember is the difference between weather and climate. Weather refers to the day-to-day changes, such as rain, sunshine, snow, and other conditions that are relatively short-term. Climate refers to the weather patterns of a larger area over a longer amount of time. Climate change means that the change is long-term, and is not something that can be concluded in just a few days of checking the weather outside. While the wind chill is bitter and your toes may still feel frozen, other countries are experiencing heat temperatures above average. When we think about climate change and global warming, we have to remember that the data includes temperatures from around the world, not just the country you are living in. According to NASA's ongoing temperature analysis, the average global temperature has hit just over 1° Celsius (2° Fahrenheit) since 1880. One or two degrees doesn't seem too serious, until you think about how much land mass (including oceans and the arctic) had to warm to raise average global temperatures. If the world rose to be 2° Celsius, land masses can be two or three times warmer than the global average, and the Arctic could be up to four times warmer than the global average.

We don't need to be climate change scientists to know how devastating this rising temperature can be. We can see the visible effects of just one degree, so imagine a world where every threat is doubled. In conclusion, feeling chilly one day in the summer doesn't mean global warming is gone.

#2 "Temperature varies naturally, it's a cycle!"

This claim is most commonly backed up by the fact that the planet experienced ice ages and periods of warmth sporadically over the past hundreds of thousands of years. So how can we know that this change in global temperature isn't just a natural change? Well, there is a great amount of evidence supporting claims that the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have contributed to rising global temperatures. The rate and change in average global temperature is far higher than the changes experienced in early civilization. To further disprove this claim, studies of solar heat and output levels (which is the main source of heat for the planet) showed an actual decrease in the output solar levels coming towards the planet from the sun. Based on this information, the planet's temperature should be decreasing, but instead, it is rapidly rising. So, if this climate change isn't natural, what is causing it? The answer: humans. Multiple reports show that 97% of scientists believe this rapid climate change is caused by humans. Most scientists believe this global warming crisis is an effect of the "greenhouse effect", which is warming when the atmosphere traps heat radiating off the planet. While the planet's temperature can vary naturally, it is almost unanimously agreed upon that this crisis is nowhere close to natural.

#3 "There's not enough evidence!"

For this claim, I am simply going to state the evidence that I believe to be unequivocal.

1. Carbon dioxide levels are at their highest peak numbers in 650,000 years.

2. The global temperature has risen 2.1° F since 1880, and 19 of the warmest years have occurred since 2000.

3. The average ocean temperatures have increased 0.6° F in the top 100 meters since 1969.

4. Global Average sea levels have risen 16 centimeters (or about 6 inches) since the late nineteenth century. The closest estimate for the average annual rising sea levels are 0.14 inches per year.

5. Two thirds of extreme weather events in the past twenty years were caused by humans. 68% of these extreme weather events examined in the past twenty years were influenced by human-caused climate change. Heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall are all examples of these extreme weather patterns caused by climate change.

6. This climate crisis could possibly be irreversible between 2027 and 2042, and lead us into dangerous temperatures and climate disasters.

7. Some researchers say we are entering the sixth mass-extinction, which has been directly caused by human activities and climate change.

8. If we continue on the path the planet is on, there is the possibility of reaching 1.5° C of warming in the next two decades.

#4 "The reports are false!"

I had a hard time coming up with a response to this claim. At a certain point, if a person chooses to continue to not believe climate change reports, there is not much else that can convince someone. But what I will say, is that climate change is one of the most scientifically agreed-upon subject. It would have to be a major scheme to get 97% of scientists to lie on their reports. It's easy to fall into the trap of reports being "fake news", but there is real evidence and signs that this change in temperature is human-caused and not natural in the slightest. If you or someone you know is still on the fence about climate change, I highly recommend this report by John Cook about "Understanding and countering misinformation about climate change."