Scientific Knowledge and Climate Change

Question 1

paradigm

Answer 1

“A theory providing a unifying explanation for a set of phenomena in some field, which serves to suggest methods to test the theory and develop a fuller understanding of the topic, and which is considered useful until it is replaced by a newer theory providing more accurate explanations for a wider range of phenomena

Question 2

science

Answer 2

The state of knowing; knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding

Question 3

what are some key definitions in science climate change

Answer 3

• likely (66-100% probability)
• very likely (90-100%)
• virtually certain (99-100%)

Question 4

scientific revolution

Answer 4

an older paradigm is replaced in whole or in part by an incompatible new one

Question 5

why do paradigm shifts take a long time?

Answer 5

competing paradigms coexist and may be a source of conflict

Question 6

key lessons about the nature of the scientific method

Answer 6

-nature of scientific knowledge not widely understood
– This creates barriers to using scientific information to address environmental issues;
– Policy should follow scientific information and use “best available science”;
– This regularly does not happen

Question 7

when does a dominant scientific paradigm occur?

Answer 7

-when scientists reach a “consensus”

Question 8

what is the problem with scientific consensus

Answer 8

Problem 1:
• Popular understanding of science and scientific methods
says scientists should be unanimous;
• Scientific position can be discredited by highlighting opposing positions, even if held by 2% or fewer scientists.

Question 9

if a problem is linked to a dominant scientific paradigm then solutions to the problem might require what?

Answer 9

a paradigm shift

– Problem 2:
• Paradigm shifts are difficult and may take a long time;
• Even after public confusion over scientific knowledge is resolved, there is still much to
do!

Question 10

what aspects is science certain on about global atmosphere

Answer 10

– CO2 influences temperature through
“greenhouse effect”;
– Atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse
gases (GHGs) are increasing;
– Global temperature is increasing

Question 11

what is the consensus from the scientific community

Answer 11

• Global temperature is increasing;
• There are natural and anthropogenic (human) factors;
• Human factors are dominant in recent temperature trends;
• There is no single approach for linking science “consensus” to policy.

Question 12

describe the anthropocentric view of climate change

Answer 12

-climate change is bad for humans

• Dominant social paradigm:
– The impact of unmitigated climate change might be worse than the cost/inconvenience of addressing climate change;
• Sustainability paradigm:
– “Meeting the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs”. (Brundtland commission).

Question 13

describe the ecocentric position of climate change

Answer 13

-climate change is bad for many species, including humans

• The well-being and flourishing of human and nonhuman life on Earth have value in themselves;
• These values are independent of the usefulness of the non-human world for human purposes;
• Richness and diversity of life forms contribute to the
realization of these values and are also values in themselves;
• Humans have no right to reduce this richness and
diversity except to satisfy vital needs.

Question 14

what is the projected impact of climate change

Answer 14

• The world faces financial collapse if it does not make rapid switch to a low carbon global economy;
• Cost of doing nothing is $2.5 trillion greater than cost of capping CO2 at 550 ppm according to the Stern Report;
• Financial regulators should properly recognize “systemic environmental risk”.