- A-Change-of-Mind__(Do-It-for-the-Kids-I).mp3
- A-Change-of-Mind__(Do-It-for-the-Kids-I).mp4
- A-Change-of-Mind__(Do-It-for-the-Kids-II).mp3
- A-Change-of-Mind__(Do-It-for-the-Kids-II).mp4
[Intro]
(Hmm)
Hmm.. let me think about it?
[Verse 1]
Can you
See more clearly
With your eyes closed?
Do you
Hold more dearly
Opinions exposed?
[Chorus]
A change of mind
Can be kind
I suppose
To those
You oppose
[Bridge]
Can you see
The reality
Of the crisis is….
[Verse 2]
Can you
Heed the call
To help us all?
Do you
Have a clue
Or want to?
[Chorus]
A change of mind
Can be kind
I suppose
To those
You oppose
[Bridge]
Can you see
The reality
Of the crisis is….
[Verse 3]
Can you
Get up…
Stand up?
Do you
Have a choice
To use your voice?
[Chorus]
A change of mind
Can be kind
I suppose
To those
You oppose
[Outro]
Can you see
The reality
Of the crisis is….
A SCIENCE NOTE
By Daniel Brouse
Our climate model uses chaos theory in an attempt to adequately account for humans and forecasts a global average temperature increase of 9 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Everybody has the responsibility not to pollute. There are plenty of things you can do to help save the planet. Stop using fossil fuels. Consume less. Love more. Here is a list of additional actions you can take.
Convincing a climate change denier of the reality and urgency of the climate crisis can be challenging, but a strategic approach using clear, relatable, and credible information can be effective. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Personalize the Impact
People are often more convinced by information that directly affects them or their loved ones.
Example:
- Extreme Weather Events: Discuss recent extreme weather events, such as the record heatwaves, wildfires, or hurricanes, and how these events have affected their local area or places they care about. Use data and visuals to show the increasing frequency and intensity of these events.
- Health Impacts: Explain how climate change is affecting air quality, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Highlight any local air quality alerts and their impacts on health.
2. Present Credible Scientific Evidence
Use data and statements from reputable scientific organizations and experts.
Example:
- IPCC Reports: Refer to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, which are comprehensive reviews by thousands of scientists worldwide. Highlight key findings that show the human influence on climate change.
- NASA and NOAA: Use data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that show trends in global temperatures, sea-level rise, and shrinking ice sheets.
3. Economic and Security Arguments
Frame climate change in terms of its economic and national security impacts, which can be more persuasive for some individuals.
Example:
- Economic Costs: Discuss the financial impact of climate change-related disasters. For instance, the billions of dollars spent on recovery from hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
- Job Creation: Highlight how investing in renewable energy and green technologies can create jobs and drive economic growth.
- National Security: Cite statements from defense agencies and experts who warn that climate change poses significant risks to national and global security, leading to conflicts over resources and mass migrations.
4. Visual Evidence
Visuals can be more powerful than words. Use before-and-after images, graphs, and videos to illustrate the changes in the environment.
Example:
- Glacier Retreat: Show time-lapse images of glaciers shrinking over the past few decades.
- Sea Level Rise: Use maps and simulations that show the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities.
5. Testimonials and Personal Stories
Personal stories from people affected by climate change can be very compelling.
Example:
- Farmers and Fishermen: Share stories from farmers who are experiencing changes in growing seasons and crop yields or fishermen who are seeing changes in fish populations.
- Residents of Impacted Areas: Use testimonials from residents of areas hit by severe weather events or rising sea levels.
6. Addressing Misconceptions
Directly address common misconceptions with clear, factual explanations.
Example:
- Climate vs. Weather: Explain the difference between weather (short-term) and climate (long-term trends). Use analogies like comparing the daily fluctuations of the stock market (weather) to long-term economic growth (climate).
- Historical Climate Change: Clarify that while the Earth’s climate has changed in the past, the current rate of change is unprecedented and largely driven by human activities.
References
Example Conversation
- You: “Have you noticed how our summers are getting hotter and the winters less predictable? That’s climate change in action. Scientists from NASA and NOAA have been tracking these changes for decades.”
- Denier: “But the climate has always changed.”
- You: “True, but the rate at which it’s changing now is much faster. For example, the IPCC report shows that the current warming is about ten times faster than the average rate of ice-age-recovery warming. And it’s largely due to human activities like burning fossil fuels.”
By combining personal relevance, credible scientific evidence, economic implications, visual aids, personal stories, and addressing misconceptions, you can create a compelling argument to help a climate change denier understand the reality and urgency of the issue.