Myth 1: ‘Cold days means climate change is over.’
BUSTED. Weather and climate are different things. While weather describes day-to-day changes, climate describes patterns over years. Climate change dictates that it is far more likely that we experience hot days and fewer cold days. It does not mean that cold days will not happen at all. (Source: Nasa)
Myth 2: ‘The climate has always been changing.’
BUSTED. Yes, the climate has been changing. However, the climate change we are witnessing is happening at a rapid rate. The nine key evidence pieces for rapid climate change are global temperature rise, warming ocean, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreat, decreased snow cover, sea-level rise, declining arctic sea ice, extreme events, and ocean acidification. According to ancient evidence such as tree rings, ocean sediments, coral reefs, and sedimentary rocks, the current climate warming is occurring at a much faster rate, ten times faster than the ‘ice-age-recover warming.’
The rate of temperature rise has been dramatic and unprecedented since the late 19th century revealing a need for change. Our planet’s temperature has increased by 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit, with 2016 and 2020 being the warmest years yet. In addition to the dramatic increase in temperatures, carbon dioxide activity from humans has increased. The rate of carbon dioxide activity is increasing 250 times faster since the last Ice Age. We are running out of time to save our planet. The time is now to take action. Read our 'Daily Actions' page for more information. (Source: Nasa)
Myth 3: ‘Climate change is a future problem.’
BUSTED. In 2019, climate change scientists warned us that we only have 12 years to limit global warming to avoid climate breakdown. We’ve already experienced the devastating effects of climate change on global food supplies, migration, and disease patterns. To be brief, climate change is man-made and by far the biggest environmental crisis of our time. (Source: WWF)
Myth 4: ‘Plants need Carbon Dioxide so they can fix global warming.’
BUSTED. Believing that increasing CO2 emissions will help plants thrive is false. Studies show that plants can grow in an environment with elevated carbon dioxide levels; however, they can only do so when there are also higher levels of water, nitrogen, and other nutrients. If any of these are not present, the plant will experience more negative effects than positive ones. The result would be reduced nutritional value from the plants. Animals and humans who consume these plants will receive ever-decreasing derived nutrition as well. (Source: Climate Central)
Myth 5: ‘Renewable energy is out for our money.’
BUSTED. Research shows that renewable energy is more cost-effective than non-renewable sources in the long run. Wind and solar energy are, in fact, the least expensive energy generating sources. With that, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that solar panels are 80% cheaper than they were in 2009. Electricity costs from solar panels fell by 75% from 2010 to 2017. Innovation in this field is constantly evolving. This number will continue to drop and energy will be more accessible to all individuals. (Source: Nature’s Path)
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