Addressing the myths about climate change

The topic of climate change is surrounded by lots of information, some of which may not be entirely accurate. In this blog, we'll debunk some of the most common climate change myths. These explanations may also help when talking to others who are not as informed.

Myth 1: Climate change is a hoax

Climate change is one of the most extensively studied fields in modern science. The evidence for climate change is overwhelming and undeniable and this article from Nasa provides a good summary. To dismiss climate change as a hoax disregards decades of research and overlooks the impacts already being felt around the globe, from rising sea levels and extreme weather events to shifts in ecosystems and threats to biodiversity.

Myth 2: Climate change is natural and happens anyway

Although it is true that the Earth’s climate has changed a lot over its 4.5-billion-year history, the rapid warming that we’re seeing now is not the same as the natural warming and cooling cycles. Changes that would normally happen over thousands of years are now happening in decades. Global temperatures are now at their highest since records began and the 10 hottest years recorded, since 1880, have occurred since 2014. Climate scientists have shown that human activities are the principle cause of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Myth 3: Global warming isn’t real because it still gets cold

Climate and weather are not the same thing, weather fluctuates from day to day whereas climate is defined by long-term trends and averages. The average surface temperature of the Earth is rising due to global warming which causes changes in our climate systems making extreme weather events more likely, more severe and more unpredictable, including the potential for more cold weather. Due to where we are in the world, the UK and Ireland are likely to get more wind and rain as a result of climate change.

Myth 4: It's too late to take action

This is one of the dominant myths surrounding climate change. While it is true that the consequences of human activities on the Earth’s climate are irreversible, the trajectory of future change is not set in stone. Every little bit of avoided future temperature increases will slow the rate of warming that would otherwise persist forever. The urgency of the climate crisis demands immediate and ambitious action, but it's never too late to take steps towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Myth 5: Individual actions don't matter

It's true that individual actions alone will not solve the climate crisis, however they play a crucial role in driving change and inspiring transformation. Individual actions create a ripple effect, starting with yourself and extending through your network of family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and beyond. Moreover, individual actions serve as catalysts for larger movements, influencing businesses, communities, and governments to prioritise sustainability and adopt more ambitious climate policies.