VOTER POWER
Climate Science
Myth: At least 50% of Americans do not believe in human-caused climate change.
Fact: The overwhelming majority of climatologists consider anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change to be a scientific fact.
Inexpensive energy has literally fueled America’s economy for generations, but many Americans seem to think our economy cannot thrive without the heavy use of fossil fuels and that “clean coal” can alleviate any and all environmental concerns. A remarkably large number of Americans believe climate science–and because of it, climate change–is a hoax perpetrated to take advantage of us. Of those who do see it as a problem, large numbers don’t think it will affect them personally. Others think our economy cannot thrive without heavy use of fossil fuels and that “clean coal” can address any environmental concerns.
The science, however, is clear: Mankind is very likely causing–or at least dramatically worsening–climate change, making it an existential threat to life on Earth.
We Have 12 Years to Curb Catastrophic Climate Change, UN Warns
A new report from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) illustrates just how dire a state our planet is in. Experts say that if governments don’t act soon, global temperatures will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by as early as 2030.
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Who to Trust on Climate Change
There’s a scientific consensus–climate change is real, and it’s caused in large part by humans. But somehow, the debate goes on. How is doubt about climate change so pervasive when the evidence is so overwhelming? Which experts should you trust, and which ones should you be skeptical of?
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The Success of Energy Loan Programs
While some say that Solyndra is an example of the failure of the Bush-era clean energy loan program, which was designed to spur innovation in the field of green energy, the fact is that the Department of Energy has actually made money on the program. Interest payments from successful companies have offset the losses caused by failures.
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The Language of Climate Change Deniers
Although 97 percent of climate scientists and 86 percent of Americans across party lines agree that climate change is real, climate change deniers like EPA head Scott Pruitt insist that more “precision” is needed in the study of the subject before they’ll take it seriously.
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New York Sues Big Oil Over Man-Made Global Warming
In a historic action, New York City is suing five oil companies. The city is arguing that it’s entitled to damages to help mitigate the costs of coastal protections, water, and sewage upgrades, claiming that the oil companies “misled the public to protect their profits.”
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Stop Arguing About Global Warming Already
As climate change accelerates ever faster, it’s getting easier for people to understand how global warming affects individuals, families, and businesses. But what do we do about it? That discussion is, unfortunately, mired in partisan politics. It wasn’t always that way, though.
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You Can Officially Blame Global Climate Change for Some Natural Disasters
For many years, scientists couldn’t make an exact connection between global climate change and natural disasters. But as climate science has advanced, it’s become possible to determine that some natural disasters couldn’t have happened without it.
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Union of Concerned Scientists Sues the EPA
The fight is on. Last month, on January 23, the Union of Concerned Scientists filed a lawsuit against the EPA for limiting the involvement of certain scientists from serving on its advisory committees, specifically scientists from academia and nonpartisan non-profit...
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What Is An Honest Climate Change Debate?
Scott Pruitt, head of the EPA appointed by Donald Trump, is calling for an “open, honest talk” about climate change, a topic that has traditionally divided Democrats and Republicans. In the current polarized political landscape, it’s worth asking what exactly Mr....
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A Climate Change Hoax?
Myth: At least 50% of Americans do not believe in anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change. Fact: The overwhelming majority of climatologists consider anthropogenic climate change to be settled scientific fact. Inexpensive energy has literally fueled America’s...
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