Global Warming Controversy

Read why it's a global warming controversy for some, learn some global warming facts, and why there are global warming skeptics. The source of this page is the magazine, Physics Today (October 2011), "Science controversies past and present" and "Communicating the science of climate change". Information supplemented using information from wikipedia.

Global warming isn't a new issue as it has been in the literature for years. It was first recognized as far back as 1896 when Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish scientist, claimed that the combustion of fossil fuels can lead to global warming. There has been a lot of global warming research since then. And a world organization (the IPCC) has even been created to advise policy makers on the tremendous amount of information in the literature.

So why are there still so many individuals who believe in a global warming scam? Why the global warming controversy? Even with 97% of climate scientists recognizing global warming and humans as the cause, only 39% of the public believes most scientists agree.

It might boil down more to human psychology than the global warming science itself. Research has shown that experts and then the public was slow to endorse some major theories of the past, such as the Copernican Theory (earth revolves around the sun, not vice versa), the theory of relativity, and the theory of plate tectonics, to name a few.

The reasons are complex but there appears to be a timeline of sorts, beginning with the discovery and announcement, followed by public backlash, expert acceptance, and finally public acceptance. What is seen as a global warming controversy, by some, fits the bill.

Some suggested reasons for "slow acceptance" and confusion for past theories, and most recently global warming are as follows:

◦Acceptance can be related to the economy - if the economy is doing poorly and you are worried about holding onto your job (especially if in the fossil fuel sector), you might dismiss any evidence for global warming to protect that job.

◦Well-funded/organized "disinformation campaign" - usually have interests in the fossil fuel industry to protect, so will try to magnify any uncertainty that can be found in the literature or as reported by the media.

◦wide-spread scientific illiteracy - some people just don't comprehend scientific discussions especially when peppered with jargon. Confusion can abound with what is being communicated.

◦People tend to trust those whom they share cultural values and world views with. If your trusted, friendly mailman thinks it's all "hogwash" some people might be inclined too.

◦For most of human history, weather was seen as an "act of God" and the atmosphere seemed to big to be affected.

◦The media in using the word, "debate" helps to perpetuate the notion that it really is unsettled and both sides are on equal footing

The "belief" of global warming for the population of a given country has even been linked to how much fossil fuels that country produces.

Even with those negatives, it isn't a hopeless situation in eventually getting the message out to the vast majority of the public and policy makers to end the global warming controversy, as you can see from aforementioned past history. Granted time is of essence. Thankfully there quite a few "aware" people who can help make a difference now, insofar as energy conservation, alternative energy, and even writing your congressman and/or getting involved in an environmental organization.

A global warming controversy still exists for a range of reasons. It is up to you and me to point out the causes of climate change and offer solutions. Climate change is an issue that has been around for awhile and it won't be leaving any time soon.

If interested in learning more on climate change, global warming, and alternative energy, please check out my website: SurviveClimateChange .