In a recent newsletter from Environmental Education Association of Indiana (EEAI), Jack Shoaf, board member and public high school teacher, wrote a really good article about discussing climate change without confrontation. I made some edits for this entry but the bulk of this article are his words.
Climate Change is Fiction
When discussing the topic of climate change with deniers, you can concede that earth’s climate is always changing and has been for millions of years. However, as humans, we are part of the global ecosystem and all organisms affect their ecosystem. Nothing on this planet lives independently of an ecosystem. We can debate on how much impact human actions make on climate change, and we will probably be doing so for years to come. Scientists are always discovering new information about our world, leading to the ability to make more educated choices in the future.
I think we can all agree, it is better to clean up after ourselves, and leave the world a little better than we found it.
Climate Change is Too Complex to Understand
Climate change is indeed complex. Indiana has been an ocean, swamp lands, covered with vast sheets of ice, and most recently, forest lands. The current theory is that humans are changing the global climate because of a variety of reasons including habitat loss, CO2 pollution, and other greenhouse gases, just to name a few. These actions are increasing the global temperature and causing the climate to change faster than the normal cycles on the earth. While the climate change theory has changed over the years between coming ice ages to global warming, what has not changed is that humans are affecting the planet on which we live. The debate really centers on how much and how fast we are affecting the global climate systems.
Again, I think we can all agree on the simple idea of cleaning up after ourselves and leaving the world a little better than we found it.
Climate Change is Cause for Deep Concern
Some people in this group have a great deal of anxiety about the future of the planet. It is important to remember that the concept of global climate change is still evolving as scientists learn more about our very complex and dynamic world. Remember that not everything you find online is true. Many online articles are designed to get clicks and the more dramatic and dire the article, the more readers they get. Likewise, some scientists are worried about getting grant dollars and may not be presenting objective scientific research. Try to focus on things YOU can do and get involved with groups to help promote more environmental issues in your community.
Get Information From Trusted Sources
Dr. Beth Hall, Indiana State Meteorologist and Director of the Midwest Regional Climate Center, will be in Plymouth on April 11th at the Rees Theater, to discuss “Why is the Weather So Weird?” The presentation will begin at 6:00 pm (Eastern) and is free to the public. This event is brought to you by Marshall County Green Drinks and Recycle Depot, both great groups to get involved with on a local level that help promote environmental issues.
Find Common Ground
In general, when asked about climate change, try to focus on finding common ground and building on that. Climate change is a very political issue for a lot of people. By focusing on what we agree on rather than what we disagree on, we can improve the environment with projects that would be beneficial.
“In a politically diverse nation, only by finding that common ground can we achieve results for the common good.”
Olympia Snowe
American businesswoman and United States Senator from Maine from 1995 to 2013
Hi, I’m Debbie Palmer. I received a BS in Horticulture from Purdue University. Here at LMEF, I am responsible for outreach presentations, monitoring the lake and it’s wetlands, project manager for restoration and research projects, and act as a community resource for all things related to the well-being of Lake Maxinkuckee and its surrounding watershed. I completed Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy, volunteer with the Indiana Clean Lakes Program, Hoosier River Watch and Marshall County Lakes and Waters and serve as a Board Member for Indiana Lakes Management Society.
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