Responding to climate deniers

Climate change deniers: we all know one. They are randomly interspersed amongst our friends and family. So, this holiday season prepare yourself by getting your facts straight. We know how frustrating it can be and how uncomfortable it is when your great-uncle is divulging endlessly that climate change is a controversy or a scam. So, on that note, here’s what to say when… 

They say: ‘Climate change is just part of the natural cycle’. 

You say: ‘Yes, the Earth’s climate has always changed. However, in the last 150 years, we have recorded exceptional changes in climate and modelling shows that the temperature is likely to continue to increase. Plus, the warm temperatures of the Medieval Warming period were only in some parts of the Northern hemisphere, not the whole Earth which is happening now.’ 

They say: ‘There is no evidence that we are causing catastrophic climate change’. 

You say: ‘There is a clear consensus from thousands of scientists across over 100 countries that we are causing climate change which will affect the lives of almost everyone on the planet.’ 

They say: ‘Carbon dioxide is a gift of life, not a pollutant’. 

You say: ‘Yes, carbon dioxide is an essential compound for life on earth, and the greenhouse effect keeps us alive, but with the quantities that have been emitted anthropogenically the Earth is warming.

They say: ‘Sunspots are causing warmer temperatures.’ 

You say: ‘Since 1978 there has been no upward trend in the amount of the sun’s energy hitting Earth.’ 

They say: ‘The Climate Cult is ready to declare on the developed world, especially the USA’. 

You say: ‘Oh dear…’ The level of learning and unlearning needed is too high. Leave the conversation; you don’t need this today. 

They say: ‘Climate change is good for us as it will make farming more productive’. 

You say: ‘Perhaps in the Global North there will be higher agricultural productivity; however, this benefit is likely to be offset by the losses in the Global South, as warming temperatures cause more frequent weather events and desertification.’ 

They say: ‘We have other problems to solve; first, this isn’t a priority’. 

You say: ‘Firstly, countries in the Global North, such as the UK, have a responsibility to act now to reduce emissions and the impact of climate change, as they have contributed to emissions the most throughout history. Secondly, many climate solutions will benefit us directly, like reducing air pollution, creating jobs, and improving food security.’