A Climate for Denial

Why Some People Still Reject Climate Change Science

Arek Sinanian

• Publisher: Enproc Pty Ltd
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9781684188789
• eBook ISBN: 9780987621344
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Ecology
• Index: Biological Sciences

Why is it that despite overwhelming evidence and fundamental science, some people still don't accept that climate change is real and that human activity is contributing to it? Is it because the science is not being understood? Is it because it is difficult to accept that humans are capable of changing the climate? Is there a link between climate change scepticism and ideology? Is there a link between the belief in the science and belief in God? If you know anyone who challenges the science of climate change - or completely denies it's happening at all - then this book is for you, and for them. Don't worry, your friend is human after all, and such behaviour can be explained. A Climate for Denial gives a summary of the reasons your friend is a sceptic.

What has been achieved so far?

A simplistic timeline of greenhouse gases and climate change
50,000 years or so ago	Humans are going about their business, trying to survive, hunting and gathering, using fire for warmth, cooking and security. Survival is the only focus and procreation is part of it. The carbon footprint of the average person on Earth is miniscule and it’s entirely due to the burning of wood.
2500 years ago	Humans now use bronze for tools and are starting to farm animals and grow crops. The carbon footprint of the average person on Earth is still miniscule and it’s mainly due to the burning of wood, charcoal, natural oils and fat. Money and material possessions are important but mainly for survival and some for spiritual reasons.
250 years ago	The Industrial Revolution begins and the whole world is very excited about harnessing and utilising energy provided mainly by coal. Humans begin to use coal to generate steam and it provides power for manufacturing, transport and much more. Life expectancy and quality of life for humans begins its exponential rise. Humans now control their environment and technology developments begin their dominance in human existence.
190 years ago	Greenhouse gases are identified by Jean-Baptiste Fourier (although he doesn’t call them that). In the latter half of the 19th century, humans find ways to use fossil fuels in the form of coal and crude oil. Coal is used in heating and coal gas is used for lighting, cooking and heating. The internal combustion engine is invented. These developments lead to the building of factories, the mass production of goods, and more ways of using energy. This in turn means cheaper goods and higher rates of consumption. And so begins the spiral of consumerism. Late in the 19th century, humans develop the technology to harness the energy in coal to generate electricity, which becomes the main driver of economic, social and environmental change. The Industrial Revolution is leading to a miraculous and sustained advancement in human existence through scientific and technological developments.
115 years ago	Humans are now aware of the effect of greenhouse gases on our atmosphere and climate. Humans in the developed world are busy developing new ways to use fossil fuels, with little attention to the huge amounts of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere. Compounding the growing human hunger for energy is an explosion of world population due to technology, better medical science and food production. Humans no longer see themselves as part of nature, but believe that they can control it and take care of it. The lack of balance between development and survival is seemingly of little concern. Greenhouse gas emissions are invisible and their accumulation in the atmosphere has subtle and long-term affects not realised by the vast majority of the world’s population.
50 years ago	Humans are beginning to realise that the consumption of resources is far exceeding the Earth’s capacity. There is an acute awareness of the environmental damage humans are causing. Identified environmental degradation includes pollution of the soil, the oceans, rivers, the food humans consume a...

Table of contents

• Introduction
• Context
• The structure of the book
• A few technical terms
• Part A. Background and History
• Global agreements and actions to date
• So what is being rejected?
• What does climate change mean?
• What has been achieved so far?
• Renewables and greenhouse gas emissions (China, US, Texas, California)
• Part B. Reasons for Denial
• Introduction
• The need to belong
• A little knowledge
• Belief and evidence
• Cherry picking
• Cause and effect
• Religion and God
• I don’t like the solution
• Distrust of authority
• Globalisation
• Perceptions of risk
• It’s complicated, really
• Dealing with a wicked, diabolical problem
• Fear of change
• Guilt (and Blame)
• Ideology and politics
• Spreading the word
• We’ll find a way
• Part C. Where to Now?
• Introduction
• A combination of factors
• What we’ve learnt so far
• Where do we need to be?
• Jumping the hurdles
• Part D. Concluding Remarks
• Bibliography
• Appendix