Staying Climate Strong - 251

 Climate Scientist Michael Mann has been in the climate fight for decades as a scientist and spokesperson to governments and the public. His recent book, “The New Climate War,” is a wealth of climate history and wisdom, so I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the past and move forward confidently. Of course, I recommend any of his books, but, The New Climate War is particularly relevant.

Outright climate denialism is pretty much dead. It exists in only a few remote corners of the conservative worldview and then, usually only in the minds of old white men. Science predicted weather extremes and the steady increase of world average temperatures (the last eight years are the warmest in recorded history). These predictions have proven denialists to be either science illiterate or liars. Traditional conservative media megaphones have moved away from denial in the face of weather facts. Now the goal is to delay and demoralize. Media owned or funded by the Kochs, Mercers, Scaifes, and Murdocks are muddying the climate conversation with deflection, doomism, deceit, disinformation, despair, and fear-mongering.

These new tactics are last-ditch efforts to slow the transition to clean energy. Since most young citizens are climate literate and support government policies to avert climate degradation, these negative tactics seem short-sighted. Despite this, the Cato Institute, the Heartland Institute, Breitbart News, Russia Today, the Daily Telegraph, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Post persist in undermining science and science-based government policies which will avert disaster.

In the face of these doomsayers and purveyors of negativism, Michael Mann encourages us to ignore the Doomsayers. He knows the science as well as anyone and informs us we are not doomed if we continue to act swiftly. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Bill were excellent starting points. These bills incentivize us to make the transition to clean power.

But, we will need more policy changes. We especially need a carbon pollution fee whose proceeds would best be allocated by sending them to the citizens via a dividend. Unfortunately, this market correction to penalize carbon pollution failed to pass the Senate by only one vote.

The EPA, eviscerated under the Trump Administration, has had horrible consequences. The undermining of the EPA nearly destroyed 50 years of air, water, and land protections. Today it is being restaffed and reenergized. We need the EPA now more than ever. Voting for scientifically well-grounded politicians who value clean water, clean air, and a stable climate is essential. We must elect politicians who are both science literate and morally brave.

One of the most effective ways to move solutions is to be optimistic about the future and not be afraid to tell our friends we are. Nationally we have taken the first constructive steps with the IRA and Infrastructure Bill. While nations have found meeting their Paris Accord pledges challenging; on a positive note, the first step has been taken. More negotiated change must be encouraged with incentives and penalties included.

We can take hope in science. Science has and will continue to leap forward with technological solutions. No single technological breakthrough will be the final solution. Together, in concert with government policy, we will win the climate battle.

 

While speaking up for climate action can be challenging, we must gather the strength to do so. Unfortunately, “knowing” all there is to know is impossible. One great reference is to keep a link to “skepticalscience.com” handy. Then, when in a discussion that needs clarification, you will have a reputable site at your fingertips.

To keep up with climate information, Mr. Mann recommends visiting these sites: @climatenexus, @dailyclimate, @insideclimate, and at Guardian ECO.

Perhaps the most crucial advice is to support our kids. They are motivated to save their future. Our duty should be to encourage them. After all, they have the most climate skin in the game. They know the need to act is urgent. They need to know they have the agency to act.

We can help them act not from fear but from confidence.