From http://katharinehayhoe.com/:
I’m an atmospheric scientist. I study climate change, one of the most pressing issues we face today.
I don’t accept global warming on faith: I crunch the data, I analyze the models, I help engineers and city managers and ecologists quantify the impacts.
The data tells us the planet is warming; the science is clear that humans are responsible; the impacts we’re seeing today are already serious; and our future is in our hands. As John Holdren once said, “We basically have three choices: mitigation, adaptation, and suffering. We’re going to do some of each. The question is what the mix is going to be. The more mitigation we do, the less adaptation will be required, and the less suffering there will be.”
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When we hear people objecting to climate change, they often use science-y or even religious-y sounding arguments. "It’s just a natural cycle," some say, or "God is in control, so humans can’t affect something as big as our planet.” Yet if the conversation continues a few minutes longer, it rapidly becomes apparent that the real objections have nothing to do with lack of information or knowledge or belief. Our attitudes towards climate change are primarily the result of where we fall on the political spectrum, and our corresponding aversion to what we perceive to be the only solution: allowing the government to destroy the economy, impose unfair regulations, and rob us of our personal liberties.
Is there solid evidence that climate is changing and humans are responsible? Are there solutions that are economically viable and appealing across the political spectrum? And why would any of us even care? Join Katharine Hayhoe as she untangles the complex science behind global warming and highlights the key role our values can play in shaping our conversations on this crucial topic.
Thursday, October 24, 2019 ~ 7:00p.m. - 7:45p.m. ~ Lang Hall Auditorium
