“What If Someone I Know Doesn’t Believe In Climate Change?”
At some point you will meet people who are not sure about the dangers of climate change, or refuse to believe that it even exists. So how do you talk to someone who thinks that this global issue is all a hoax?
1) Be polite!
Not sharing the same views should not be a reason to approach someone in a negative manner. You want to promote climate change in a positive way to someone, so stay polite and do not belittle the other person. Being rude and impolite can lead to the other person having a bad impression about a good cause.
2) Research!
It may sound obvious, but if you want to convince someone about climate change, and use facts to strengthen your argument, you must ensure that what you are saying is true! Do not assume that you know everything – it is alright to admit to yourself that you still have areas where your understanding may be weak. Research the facts, causes and issues regarding climate change. This can also broaden your own knowledge about this global crisis, which will help you understand it more in general.
The temperature of the earth over the past 2000 years.
3) Question!
Ask the person why they do not believe in climate change. Is it because of what someone else has said to them? Did they read something that drove them to their conclusion? Or are they in a state of denial (they don’t have a definite reason)? Listening to their opinion will help you to understand their point of view – and perhaps even find flaws in their point.
4) Inform them
Give them information about the causes of climate change. You can go into detail about what causes climate change and how it causes this problem. This is where improving your knowledge is important since you can use data to persuade them.
You can also mention some impacts that climate change has had on the world, and even state what we could be faced with if nothing is done about it. Genuine concern about our future may help to open their eyes to the fact that this climate crisis is real.
If your word is not enough to convince them, ask that they conduct their own research. There are multiple articles on the CEN that can help to get people started, or they can use some helpful links below.
NRDC: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-climate-change-what-you-need-know
WWF: https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/10-myths-about-climate-change
Grist: https://grist.org/climate-energy/there-is-no-evidence/
