Why is there a debate over climate change? Flashcards
Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?
For
- The overwhelming evidence supports the notion that human activity is primarily responsible for global climate change. It is backed by a 97% scientific consensus, indicating a strong agreement among experts.
- The increase in carbon dioxide rates has been unprecedented, mainly due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
- These activities have enhanced the greenhouse gas effect, leading to a significant rise in average temperatures.
- Moreover, the rate of temperature increase cannot be solely explained by natural climate change processes.
- Other notable indicators of human-induced climate change include unprecedented rates of sea level rise, ocean acidification, and ocean temperature increase. In fact, sea levels have risen by approximately 20cm since 1900. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded in its AR6 report (2021) that it is “unequivocal” that human activity has caused global climate change.
For
Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?
Against
- The majority of scientific research supports the idea that human activity is primarily responsible for global climate change.
- More than 1,000 scientists contest the prevailing consensus and suggest that natural factors may play a more significant role in climate change.
- These dissenting views argue that temperature fluctuations have occurred throughout Earth’s history, and the planet has been much warmer in the past.
- They emphasize the role of carbon sinks, such as oceans and forests, which can absorb carbon emissions and potentially mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Skeptics attribute rising sea levels to long-term natural processes that have been ongoing for thousands of years since the last glacial maximum.
- They further argue that fluctuations in solar radiation, such as sunspots, can explain the observed rise in temperatures.
- Critics raise concerns about the accuracy and adequacy of climate models, suggesting that their predictions may not always align with actual climate outcomes.
Against
What role do governments play in the climate change debate?
- Governments hold a significant role in the climate change debate, and their positions can heavily influence policy decisions and global cooperation.
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump was known for his climate change skepticism and withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, prioritizing American jobs and the economy over climate action.
- His “Pittsburgh, not Paris” slogan reflected this stance.
- Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin has portrayed climate change as a plot by the West to undermine Russia’s interests.
- These examples demonstrate how political leaders can shape public opinion and policy directions on climate change.
- Government actions and policies are crucial in driving the adoption of renewable energy sources, implementing regulations on emissions, and facilitating international climate agreements.
- They also have the power to allocate resources and funds to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
- The positions taken by governments, especially those of influential nations, can impact the overall progress in addressing climate change on a global scale.
What role do interest groups play in the climate change debate?
- Interest groups, particularly those representing the fossil fuel industry, have played a significant role in shaping the climate change debate.
- Exxon Mobil, a major fossil fuel company, is a notable example. Internal documents from the late 1980s revealed that Exxon Mobil had knowledge of the potential climate risks associated with burning fossil fuels but chose to cast doubt on the scientific consensus.
- The company outlined a strategy to “emphasize the uncertainty” and “urge a balanced scientific approach” in its communication, sowing doubt and delaying action.
- Similar tactics have been observed in other instances, such as Exxon Mobil employees’ involvement in the IPCC’s Second Assessment Report (AR2), where uncertainties in the data were extensively discussed.
- The American Petroleum Institute, serving as the main lobbying body for the fossil fuel industry, including Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP, is another influential interest group.
- These groups have actively lobbied against climate change policies and initiatives to protect their economic interests.
- For instance, they worked to prevent the United States from ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Their efforts have influenced public discourse and policymaking, hindering climate change mitigation efforts.
What are the different categories of climate change skepticism identified by Stefan Rahmstorf?
Stefan Rahmstorf, in 2004, proposed a three-tiered taxonomy of climate change skepticism. Trend Sceptics, Attribution Sceptics and Impact Sceptics
What is the perspective of Trend Sceptics?
Trend Sceptics deny that global warming is happening and often attribute temperature measurements influenced by localized factors like urban heat islands. They may argue that cold weather or individual cold events negate the existence of global warming.
What is the perspective of Attribution Sceptics?
Attribution Sceptics acknowledge the reality of global warming but dispute its anthropogenic nature. They argue that climate change is a natural occurrence and that humans have limited influence on the climate system. They often emphasize historical climate variability as evidence to downplay the role of human activities in driving current warming trends.
What is the perspective of Impact Sceptics?
Impact Sceptics accept that climate change is happening and acknowledge human influence, but they downplay the severity of its impacts. They may argue that climate change could have positive effects or claim that the negative consequences are not as significant as suggested by scientific consensus.
What is the perspective of Economic Sceptics?
Economic Sceptics focus on the financial costs associated with climate change mitigation and argue that addressing climate change is too expensive. They contend that there are more pressing problems that require immediate attention and resources, which leads them to question the prioritization of climate action.
What is the perspective of Political Sceptics?
Political Sceptics argue against taking action on climate change by suggesting that it is not politically sensible for their nation or group to act if other countries or entities are not doing the same. They frame climate change as a “collective action problem” and prioritize self-interest over global cooperation, questioning the effectiveness of individual efforts in the absence of broad international participation.
When was the Paris Agreement?
12 December 2015
