Understanding Climate Change

Climate change is an undeniable reality. This is the acknowledgment many have been waiting for, but it’s not just about admission. You want government leaders to recognize it too, right? Yet, they often remind us that everyone must contribute to the solution, so here’s my part of the acknowledgment. Numerous governments have already accepted climate change as a reality; just check the outcomes from COP26 to see the consensus.

But let's get real. You’re not just looking for acknowledgment; you want action.

For many years, the scientific community has tirelessly studied climate change, raising alarms about the human impact on our planet. Research indicates that a remarkable 97% of climate scientists agree that the warming trends we've observed over the past century are largely due to human activities.

So, what’s the next step?

It's essential to recognize that this 97% represents countless scientists globally, who have dedicated millions of dollars in research funding towards understanding climate change. Despite the wealth of studies, reports, and data visualizations produced, we often see recommendations focused on mitigation strategies aimed at "reducing sources" of greenhouse gases or adaptation strategies to "lessen our vulnerability."

I believe these scientists possess valuable insights and strategies.

Now, let’s delve into one example of these mitigation strategies. The report titled "Summary for Policymakers" is clearly aimed at those in government positions. These are the decision-makers that climate experts insist must take immediate action on climate change. Each statement in the report is explained, but for brevity, I will summarize the key recommendations for policymakers:

1. Sustainable development and equity are fundamental for evaluating climate policies. Addressing climate risks should be linked to overall economic growth and poverty alleviation. However, some climate actions may hinder economic progress and poverty reduction. Conclusion: Broaden the focus beyond just mitigation strategies. Policymaker reaction: Wait, what?
2. Effective mitigation cannot occur if individuals pursue their interests in isolation. Policymaker reaction: So, we must collaborate? Or should we refrain from action unless everyone else is also acting?
3. Equity, justice, and fairness are crucial in both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Since different countries emit greenhouse gases based on their specific needs and capabilities, solutions must be equitable to foster cooperation. Policymaker reaction: We must work together for meaningful change.
4. Climate policy often involves ethical and value-based considerations, such as determining the amount of mitigation necessary to avert irreversible climate change. Policymaker reaction: We’re exploring all potential options.

Now, I’ll pause here… halfway through this list of mitigation strategies. Am I overlooking something? Are there any actionable solutions for policymakers? Aside from commissioning further studies and analyses, they seem sparse.

It's easy to point fingers at politicians, but they aren't climate specialists. They haven't spent decades studying this issue. Instead, they review reports and face demands to act. While they do fund many studies (see point #4) and allocate financial resources for research, they share some responsibility for perpetuating this cycle.

When does it become self-serving for climate scientists to conduct studies without presenting tangible solutions? They consistently seek more funding to explore the changing climate and its impacts. Why not shift that funding towards finding solutions to the issues we already acknowledge exist?

Maybe scientists expect industry to take the lead on this front. Much like how medical advancements often come from industry, the same could apply here. However, solving climate issues may threaten existing industries, potentially leading to job losses for real people—people who vote for the same politicians who struggle to make climate decisions.

It's relatively simple to identify the need to close coal-fired power plants, but scientists often aren't affected by such decisions. They aren't coal miners or plant workers, nor do they own businesses that support these industries. They receive research funding to study climate change but aren't tasked with proposing alternatives to coal or reengineering the entire system that supports it.

I’m not advocating for coal plants, but finding solutions is genuinely challenging. The interconnectedness of our planet, civilizations, and societies complicates the matter. For instance, I drive an electric vehicle, which makes me feel like I'm contributing positively. However, we can't just replace oil with electricity (in transportation, energy, etc.) because oil is used to produce electricity, create the plastics in electric components, and transport finished goods.

Now, think about almost any product and trace the inputs, outputs, and intermediate steps to transform a resource into a product and deliver it to the consumer. Alter one aspect of that system to mitigate climate change, and the entire system is impacted.

Climate change is real. If we’re honest, there’s no denying it. We need to stop funneling money into studies that serve the interests of scientists and simply produce another bar graph.

We understand that the situation is dire and worsening. So, I challenge those brilliant scientists to focus on the complex task ahead—identifying practical solutions.

The first video, titled "OK, climate change is real. But it's too late to do anything," explores the urgency of addressing climate change.

Chapter 2: The Role of Scientists in Climate Action

In the second video, "Climate Scientist Responds to Sabine Hossenfelder on Climate Sensitivity," a climate scientist discusses the nuances of climate sensitivity and its implications.

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