Nature has long remained “the nurse, the guide, the guardian” for ages and for every species that has ever breathed its air or lived in its shelter. Earth is the only living planet in the solar system to provide food, water, and an environment to thrive and grow, and we hope it can continue to do so for decades and centuries to come.
However, to make this possible, we need to start working on the environmental crisis that is currently plaguing us and take an active stance in the conservation of Earth.
Myth 1: It’s a natural phenomenon
Fact: We all know that even before the onslaught of greenhouse gases, the earth's climate has been continuously changing naturally over the past 650,000 years. It includes the occurrence of multiple alternating climates ranging between warmer periods and the ice ages, all of which took place long before humans appeared on the earth. However, in present times, the human population is one of the top contributors in triggering climate change due to industrialisation. In 2013, CO2 emissions reached 400 ppm, the highest level in the last 800,000 years.
Myth 2: Climate scientists are in it for the money
Fact: When you don’t like the message, attack the messenger. According to some people, the scientists are in it for the money; they are making undue claims because they are representing the alternative means (solar/wind energy, electricity-based equipment, and modules) that are staked on bulky investments. The fact of the matter is, however, these scientists can make the same money, if not more, in the oil industry too. Therefore, financial gains are ruled out. The idea of climate change being a myth is just our assumption; a classic example of false rumours gaining traction and becoming deemed to be true. Some of the most renowned climate scientists revealed last year that in 12 years if global warming exceeds more than 1.5C, there will be a climate breakdown. Time is ticking and we are close to the tipping point. It is high time we changed our course of actions.
Myth 3: Climate change is real, but it won’t be that big of a deal
Fact: Climate change is the only problem in human history to have affected every aspect of Earth’s physical, biological, and cultural systems, and it’s happening now. There are no longer any excuses left to not act on climate change. The disastrous effect of the climate crisis has the potential to surpass the nature of even global problems such as terrorism or human rights violations. We’re already seeing the devastating effects of climate change on global food supplies increasing migration, conflict, disease, and global instability, and this will only get worse if we don’t do something now.
Myth 4: The Sun is to blame
Fact: The Sun can influence the Earth’s climate, but it isn’t responsible for the warming trend we’ve seen over the past few decades. The Sun is a giver of life; it helps keep the planet warm enough for us to survive. We know subtle changes in the Earth’s orbit around the Sun are responsible for the comings and goings of the ice ages. But the warming we’ve seen over the last few decades is too rapid to be linked to changes in Earth’s orbit and too large to be caused by solar activity.
Myth 5: Nothing can be done for climate change
Fact: Actually, there’s a lot we can do to prevent further climate change. The solution is simple: we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Using renewable energy, decreasing the amount of use of air conditioners and heaters, replacing applications with their energy-efficient alternatives, getting involved in community forest restoration, dune care, or coastal revegetation programmes in your area, are some of the ways to restore the climate.
Now you know that climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges the world has ever faced. It’s high time we accept this fact, stop believing the list of common myths and misconceptions about human-caused climate change, and start fighting for our planet.
For more resources on the Climate Crisis, head to our dedicated Climate Crisis section.