Briefing

Our knowledge of the threat of climate change has been growing over the years, with increasingly frequent and dire warnings, combined with clear demonstrations of the potential human cost. This briefing provides an overview of why this is important and why the US should, and can, be actively engaged in addressing the issue. This covers:

• Is the planet getting warmer? Meaning generally, over the years - so just because Duluth had, say, a particularly cold day last Tuesday is irrelevant (unless you live in Duluth of course!).
• Are we causing it? Or, more generally, do we have solid theories as to what is causing it?
• Are the effects bad? Maybe getting warmer is no bad thing (again, thinking of those Duluth residents). And anyway, the temperature changes we have seen so far sound small-ish - are they really that damaging?
• Can we (humans) do anything about it? No point in worrying if we are helpless, right? So if the earth is getting warmer, and the effects are bad, it is actually relatively good news if it is because of something we are doing, because then we can stop doing it!
• Does the USA need to do anything? Maybe other countries need to change what they are doing, not us.
• Does the government need to be involved? So even if it is vital that the USA as a whole takes action, why does the government need to be stepping in?
• Can societies have strong economies, and still address climate change? If we take action as we should, does that imply dreadful financial hardships, or can we have a thriving economy and tackle this problem?

Spoiler alert - the answer to all those questions is, I believe, “yes”. Or more accurately:

Each question is covered in turn below, followed by a look at some aspects of the climate change issue that seem to get in the way of public engagement, including understanding, discussion, and action. These barriers make it even more important for us to behave responsibly and maturely, and to invest the time to form a clear understanding of this area..

Feel free to jump ahead and skip sections where you already believe the answer is “Yes”.

Is the planet getting warmer?

Are we causing it?

Are the effects bad?

Can we (humans) do anything about it?

Does the USA need to do anything?

Does the government need to be involved?

Can societies have strong economies, and still address climate change?

Barriers to engagement