Why Everyone Should Learn the Science Behind Climate Change
Climate Science. Often approachable, mostly thought-provoking and, always, fascinating. Granted, it can be complex, but to understand a lot of the science behind climate change requires less complicated mathematics and more logical thinking. Whilst it is true that computations and experimental analysis do underpin our notions of what is happening around us, knowledge of these is often not required to get to a certain level of understanding regarding climate science. But why should we get this understanding?… can a deeper knowledge of climate science help out when addressing climate change?… and how fascinating can the world around us be?
Firstly, let us take the example of fossil fuels — on a basic level, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which then builds up and traps heat, warming the planet. This explanation tells us how our resource consumption is contributing to climate change and makes us think harder about the impact that we are having. Interesting indeed, but can a further scientific explanation make us think even more?
Going back to the previous example, in more detail, we could write something like: 1) fossil fuels are formed over millions of years by the decomposition of organic, carbon-rich, matter; 2) burning of this material releases the carbon, often in the form of carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere; 3) this carbon as gas accumulates in the atmosphere; 4) this gas traps certain types of radiation (heat) in the atmosphere and, as the gas builds up over time from further emissions, heating increases. This explanation could be built upon, but by going to this deeper level of understanding we see the history of the material we are burning, how it is that carbon enters the atmosphere, and how heat builds up over time.
From my perspective at least, this greater knowledge makes me think about the topic in more detail and contemplate the consequences of my actions. Knowing more about a subject and its nuances can also spark an interest, urging us to explore further and discover more and more — this was certainly the case with climate science and me.
Spreading an interest in climate science could help equip more individuals with the skills needed to tackle the problem; whether this is through people altering habits, advocating more or finding direct work in this sphere. Policymakers, business leaders and those who impact us all the time could also use a greater understanding of the science to better appreciate climate change and work towards solutions — it is true that some do incorporate climate science into decision making, but enhancing this could both spur leaders to think more about the problem and guide them in working out the best solutions for issues like reducing emissions, adapting to a changing world and mitigating any negative effects already seen.
This climate information is out there. Academic papers, articles, and online courses can often be accessed freely and easily and, whilst at first, can sometimes appear somewhat difficult, with perseverance can teach us so much about climate change and the world around us. We can learn how the climate has evolved, how it works today, and how it might change in the future — armed with this knowledge, we can then look up to the sky and understand a bit more about it all.
The climate is a truly fascinating being that is so complex, yet so accessible. Many of us care deeply about the change that is happening around us and with this passion we can learn so much about it. As this article comes to an end and we perhaps look out of a window or look around us, we should know, therefore, that the science behind what can be seen is both so accessible and so captivating.
