Science versus media refers to the sensationalist way media reports on scientific issues. While science itself is only about fact based on research, people talking about science often want conclusions and absolutes, without allowing for subtlety or intricacy in data. A good way to address this pitfall is to establish what we know as fact, and discuss the nature of science vs media coverage.
Mother nature refers to the fact that some people think that Earth will take care of itself; they also assume that because the Earth is so vast and natural processes take eons that humans can have no impact. The atmosphere has changed in drastic ways since the evolution of life, and can change again. However, life as we know it--the foods, plants and animals we enjoy, as well as weather and environments we rely on for our economies and vacations--could change as a result of climate change, because these things rely on a delicate balance.
Misunderstanding of concept deals with not understanding the science behind climate change, including the difference between weather and climate. The best way to address this pitfall is to explain the science behind climate change in a clear way without emotional bias.
Big, bad and ugly is a pitfall for people who already believe that climate change is happening and do not think that there is anything they can do about it. Because we can still make a difference, when someone feels like this we can talk about community-level solutions and the innovation of our current society to create technologies and alternatives that can help halt climate change.
Below are some common things people say for each pitfall.
Science versus Media
- Predictions are just guesses
- New study every week
- My observation is as good as yours
- This is really a political issue
Mother Nature
- Change is natural
- The Earth works in cycles
- Human influence is just a drop in the bucket
- Earth will heal/fix itself
Misunderstanding of Concepts
- It’s about the ozone, right?
- Pollution is the cause of all problems
- This winter was so cold, though!
Big, Bad, and Ugly
- Big, scary, depressing
- There are no solutions yet
- Damage has been done; it’s too late
- What can I really do?
- Someone else’s problem/what we do doesn’t matter