The first comprehensive study of global warming was published a little more than 50 years ago. At that time there was little public response. But the 1988 testimony in front of congress, by climatologist James Hansen, started a political backlash.
This was not because of the science (as, just like today, most climatologists agree with the conclusions) but because of the implied solutions. The most effective solution was a decrease in the use of fossil fuels.
The sincere beliefs held by the climate change dismissers largely come from cognitive dissonance. Psychologists describe this as a common experience that occurs when we become aware of information that so conflicts with other strongly held beliefs or values that we simply disregard the new information. This is to avoid the internal discomfort caused by this new information. This often occurs at the subconscious level.
While cognitive dissonance is common in everyday life, it’s effects are usually limited to the individual and/or those close to them. In the case of climate change, we have a larger problem because not being able to accept the widely held scientific research has global implications.
There are several reasons (fears) why we may find it difficult to accept the science supporting global warming and the implied solutions. The most common ones are: 1. Economic fears held mostly by those of us involved in the carbon-based energy fields. 2. Those of us who fear and dislike big government telling us what to do. 3. Those of us who fear that scientific revelations are undermining some other strongly held beliefs. These beliefs may be religious or otherwise.
It is critical to understand that most who are climate change dismissive are sincere. This realization should guide our interactions. Debating the science of global warming is rarely constructive because it does not address the real issues.
We must ask good, thoughtful questions and listen to the responses. This is no panacea but it is the most constructive way forward. The focus must be to understand, not to convert! The common expression, “They don’t care what we know until they know that we care” is crucial here because until, as individuals and as a society, we show that we really care about addressing their fears, we will not have a chance at useful conversations.
If in our everyday lives, when faced with challenging information, we ask ourselves, “Where does this put us?” instead of, “Is this true and what should be done?” there is a problem because we are being problem avoiders instead of a problem solvers.
Let’s all become problem solvers when it comes to climate change, but we can not do this until we are sincere about treating each other with respect and until we believe and understand the real issues that we face as individuals and as world citizens.
David Hart, a former physics teacher at Skyline High School and former junior high school counselor, has degrees in physics, education and social work. He lives in Torrey, Utah.