We've all heard it at some point: It's cold outside, so the climate crisis isn't real.
The same bad-faith argument is repeated just about every year, sometimes by individuals who should know better, as CNN reported. A TikTok user spoke for all of us when they launched into a scorching two-minute diatribe against those tired talking points.
@coreymagyar It's hard to lead a horse to water when the water is all dried up 😔 #climatecrisis #co2andyou #pollution #sealevels #glaciers #magamentality #soapbox #climatedenial #greenscreen ♬ original sound - CMagz
The video is a skit in which the TikTok user plays themself and the contrarian character named Randy. The narrator explains the difference between climate and weather: "Climate is observed over a longer term." The National Centers for Environmental Information defines the difference as: "Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get."
In summary, climate is what scientists observe in an area over a long period of time, while weather is the day-to-day changes that occur. The video continues by mentioning the alarming and well-documented long-term effects: glaciers melting, sea levels rising, and ecosystems collapsing (as reported by the World Glacier Monitoring Service, NASA, and the U.N., respectively).
When Randy suggests volcanoes and natural cycles are more responsible than human activity, the narrator gets on a "soapbox" and delivers some devastating verbal put-downs, capturing the frustration many people feel when engaged in such pointless arguments.
While pointing out the latent hypocrisy of those who parrot bad-faith talking points, the narrator shuts down the idea of there even being a debate on the subject.
Can't afford solar panels? Here's how to get them without paying for purchase or installation Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach program gives you all the benefits of solar power without the upfront costs. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it easier than ever to lock in energy savings. Palmetto assumes all risk and responsibility for the panels you lease, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and learn how much you can save. Learn more → |
Watch now: Giant snails invading New York City?
"The debate exists in your Facebook feed, not in the scientific community."
The TikTok is precisely correct. There is an overwhelming agreement among experts, as this letter published by IOP Science detailed — but the public drastically underestimates the extent of the scientific consensus on the issue, King's College London reported.
While perhaps not the best way to achieve a productive dialogue, the rant did provide catharsis for those who've been through the same tired arguments with family members or on social media. The comments echoed those sentiments.
|
Do you think misinformation is a major problem in America today? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Definitely 💯 "Thanks for saying what many think," said one user.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Another pointed out the changes they've seen in their locale:
"This joke started later and later every year and now starts in January where I live. We used to get ice on lakes out here twenty years ago. I haven't been able to step on a frozen lake in over a decade."
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
