Climate change group
Is there any interest in starting a climate change group under "Environment and Energy"? I feel that we need a group to help us with the information war that's being waged online by deniers.
They usually claim that it's part of the natural climate cycle. They also say that our current direct measurement records span a very small part of geologic time, and that it does not prove anything.
Then, the arguments start to delve into details; out come their talking points, probably supplied to them by pro-fossil fuel interests. I take the bait, trot off to do some research and return with factual evidence to rebut their claims. But these people are relentless. They keep throwing more talking points at me. Since arguing climate change with them sucks up so much time, I'm forced to give up and let those smug idiots declare victory. It drives me nut.
Many of us who believe climate change due to human activities is real are not experts in the subject. We try to understand the issues to the best of our abilities, and we accept the findings of credible experts.
I'm told by friends to ignore these deniers because they've already made up their minds. True, but they're not my target audience. The people I am really trying to reach are the silent readers who are trying to understand what's going on.
One of the reasons, IMHO, there is still widespread skepticism is because there are no sustained efforts to engage deniers at a grassroots level with the facts, like in online discussion forums where they have a strong presence. Our goal is not to change their minds; this dialog is for the people following the discussions.
We need to figure out how to step up and challenge the climate change skeptics. If not, stupid wins.
= new reply since forum marked as read
as long as most OPs on the subject sink like a rock.
