13.7: Refuting Dissenting Views on the Environment Flashcards
What does the Sixth IPCC Assessment Report highlight?
Over 66,000 peer-reviewed studies provide evidence for a comprehensive climate response.
782 scientists contributed, emphasizing the importance of businesses in protecting the environment.
How does social media contribute to dissenting views on climate change?
Facilitates the spread of dissenting opinions questioning scientific knowledge.
Shapes citizen beliefs based on perceived social consensus.
What entities promote dissenting views on environmental sustainability?
Corporations, trade associations, think tanks, lobby groups, and public relations firms.
These groups use blogs and social media to share information without context.
What are common criticisms of environmental sustainability claims?
Difficult to define and understand.
Constrains economic development.
Implies capitalism is unsustainable and morally lacking.
Misleadingly treated as a public relations issue.
Who is Bjørn Lomborg, and what are his arguments in “The Skeptical Environmentalist”?
Danish statistician challenging beliefs on climate worsening.
Argues green activists and media overstate environmental problems.
Believes Western lifestyles are sustainable and Kyoto Protocol is too costly.
What paradoxical behaviors exist in Canadian public opinion on the environment?
Canadians lead in energy consumption and household waste despite concern for the environment.
Express support for conservation but resist economic or job-related changes for climate action.
What is “Paradoxical Environmentalism”?
Initiatives aimed at reducing environmental damage often have unintended consequences. Examples:
Fluorescent bulbs: Energy-saving but contain mercury.
Electric cars: Reduce petroleum emissions but require energy-intensive battery production.
Reusable bags: Decomposable options exist, but cloth bags can be contaminated.
What did the EY Future Consumer Index and KPMG surveys reveal about Canadian attitudes toward sustainability?
EY Index: 69% of Canadians expect companies to solve sustainability issues.
KPMG Survey: Business leaders are committed to transitioning to a greener economy but require government support
