MISCONCEPTION #1. Scientists Claiming Doom & Gloom Creates Public Skepticism
Governments and scientists have been wrong in the past. Years ago, DDT was thought to be a safe insecticide. It was later found to cause profound health problems in human and other animal species, particularly birds. The same was said of cigarette smoke and thalydamide.
MISCONCEPTION #2. The Media Has Diverse Viewpoints About Climate Change
Few responsible citizens or media outlets today would suggest that raw sewage should be dumped into Halifax harbor. Nonetheless, some media articles advocate strong action to reduce GHG emissions, while other articles suggest taking no action at all. It would be a misconception to take no action when we as humans are clearly having an effect on atmospheric climate change.
MISCONCEPTION #3. Uncertainty is Often Used as a Reason For Inaction
Scientists aren’t 100% sure of the consequences of climate change. This uncertainty is frequently used as a reason for inaction. Although there is but a small chance of a house fire (about 1 a year/100,000 people Provincially), the consequences of being uninsured may be disastrous. Likewise, it makes sense to spend some resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore reduce the risks associated with climate change. As such, individuals and industry can begin to reverse the ravages of climate change, but we can do it alone. In contrast to the small risk of a major house fire, there is a risk that climate change may have disastrous consequences, such as more frequent Maritime blizzards, hurricanes and damaged ecosystems.
MISCONCEPTION #4. We Have Yet To Witness The Full Impact of Our Changing Climate
Almost everyone has witnessed the horrifying effects of a house fire, or a car accident. Unlike a house fire or a car accident, it is difficult to make the link between our emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the changing climate, and the dramatic effects of climate change extremes. Yet, there has been a ten-fold increase in environment-related disasters (526 major disasters in the first 9 months of 2002 according to the International Red Cross).
MISCONCEPTION #5. Climate Change is Not Seen as an Immediate Threat
Most people quickly spend money to react to an emergency, but are less inclined to spend money to prevent them. Even when we take preventative action, it is often following a crisis. For example, double-hulled oil tankers were discussed for years with little result until the billion dollar Exxon Valdez oil spill clean-up transformed ship-building practices. The International Ice Patrol wasn’t set up until the sinking of the Titanic, even though icebergs were a common threat to seafarers in the North Atlantic. Unfortunately the human community and global ecosystems can’t wait until climate change directly threatens us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. By the time a large change in climate has occurred, it would take centuries to return to our pre-industrial atmosphere, even if we stop all greenhouse gas emissions.
MISCONCEPTION #6. There are no Immediate Climate Change Benefits from Reducing Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Locally
In a harbour clean-up, local residents and the environment benefit directly, while other areas of the world are largely unaffected by such measures. Whereas, the overall climate change benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions are spread across the world, and will help minimize regional climate variability and extreme impacts in the future.
MISCONCEPTION #7. Concern That Action Will Require Huge Changes in Our Lifestyle
Generally speaking, addressing other environmental problems has not usually required major lifestyle changes. For example, individuals are not really inconvenienced by catalytic converters in cars, or municipal sewage treatment plants. Reducing GHG emissions requires individuals to become more energy efficient, which will require beneficial changes in our lifestyle. This may be resisted since people are accustomed to a car/SUV-oriented, consumer culture.
MISCONCEPTION #8. There Are Winners and Losers When Taking Action Against Climate Change
Industries and public services that reduce fossil fuel consumption (or replace it altogether) can become more competitive. Renewable energy industries that emit few GHGs (such as hydroelectricity and wind) will likely expand their industries, especially as fossil fuel use costs continue to skyrocket and global reserves are eventually depleted. While some industries see the importance of reducing GHG emissions, other industries have attempted to block action to reduce GHGs.
MISCONCEPTION #9. Canada is Not Perceived as a Major Contributor to Climate Change
Since Canada emits only about 2% of the World’s GHG emissions, we shouldn’t need to reduce our emissions. However, the U.S., Australia and Canada are the world’s three biggest per capita greenhouse gas polluters, sharing the same suburban, car-oriented, consumer lifestyle. Countries with smaller per capita emissions, such as Sweden, China and India, can point to Canada and ask why they must reduce their emissions if Canada isn’t. As part of the global community, Canada and all countries with high per capita emissions have an obligation to responsibly reduce GHG emissions.
MISCONCEPTION #10. What Possible Difference Can My Small Action Make?
Each and every action that a HRM business or resident, student or office worker, or Provincial Government takes may appear small, in relation to the immense worldwide problem of global warming. Some argue that because we can’t put a substantial ‘dent in the GHG emissions can,’ it is not worth our time and effort. As with progress on economic development, reducing unemployment, or eliminating poverty, each small step can contribute to solving the broader problem.
Who Me? Solutions In A Climate Changing World
Attitudes have changed toward sexism, drinking and driving, smoking, seat belts, bike helmets, leaded gasoline, and recycling. Social values have changed considerably over the past few decades. Similarly, there is a need for action to reduce the immediate and longer-term threats posed by climate change variability and extreme weather from global warming.
To do your part, click HRM Solutions In A Climate Changing World.
