Dr. Katharine Hayhoe on Nostr: Trust in science often hinges on whether people perceive the implications of that ...
Trust in science often hinges on whether people perceive the implications of that science to threaten their lives and identities. For example, the complex and evolving science of dark matter rarely faces public skepticism, and it’s uncommon for those who study it to be the target of ad hominem attacks.
The basic science of climate change, on the other hand, that explains how burning fossil fuels produces heat-trapping gases that warm the planet, has been well understood for nearly two centuries; yet it is often publicly contested and scientists who study it, accused of venality and more. This isn’t due to any legitimate doubts about the scientific basis for climate science, but rather because of the implications it holds for individual and societal decisions.
That’s why, when I talk about climate change with people, I usually don't spend much time discussing the physical science of climate change, even though that’s my primary research field. Instead, I emphasize how climate change affects our everyday lives and I also spend a lot of time talking about what social science shows will catalyze action: positive updates on climate solutions, stories of people and organizations making a difference, and ways everyone can catalyze change where we live, work, or study.
My aim is to leave people feeling empowered and motivated to act—and based on some of the data I’ve collected, I think that’s possible.
Read more of my interview here:
https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/we-live-science/talk-climate-change-people-action-interview-katharine-hayhoe/
The basic science of climate change, on the other hand, that explains how burning fossil fuels produces heat-trapping gases that warm the planet, has been well understood for nearly two centuries; yet it is often publicly contested and scientists who study it, accused of venality and more. This isn’t due to any legitimate doubts about the scientific basis for climate science, but rather because of the implications it holds for individual and societal decisions.
That’s why, when I talk about climate change with people, I usually don't spend much time discussing the physical science of climate change, even though that’s my primary research field. Instead, I emphasize how climate change affects our everyday lives and I also spend a lot of time talking about what social science shows will catalyze action: positive updates on climate solutions, stories of people and organizations making a difference, and ways everyone can catalyze change where we live, work, or study.
My aim is to leave people feeling empowered and motivated to act—and based on some of the data I’ve collected, I think that’s possible.
Read more of my interview here:
https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/we-live-science/talk-climate-change-people-action-interview-katharine-hayhoe/