How to Convince a Global Warming Skeptic

Even though numerous scientific studies have provided evidence of global warming, there are still skeptics who assert that global warming is an exaggeration of normal cycles in temperature. Unfortunately, many of these skeptics are powerful politicians and voters who determine policy. Convincing a skeptic that global warming exists, is one way you can help save the planet.

Instructions

• 1

  Inform the skeptic that current research shows the average global temperature increasing more in the past 50 years than at any other point in history. Also, note that since 1990, the planet has experienced the 10 warmest years ever recorded.

• 2

  Talk about the severity of hurricanes that have occurred recently. Point out that while global warming isn't increasing the number of hurricanes, it is potentially increasing their severity, as warmth destabilizes the atmosphere.

• 3

  Discuss greenhouse gas emissions. Inform the skeptic that greenhouse gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, have increased in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution.

• 4

  Show pictures of retreating glaciers. Explain that recent discoveries of corpses buried thousands of years ago suggest that glaciers are melting. If the skeptic questions the melting, point to samples from ice cores, which suggest decreased salinity in ocean water due to increased melting of freshwater ice.

• 5

  Ask the skeptic to explain changes in the ecosystem such as the declining population of polar bears, movement of plankton to the north and fewer whale births.

• 6

  Tell the skeptic to look at the horizon on a warm summer day. The haze is really pollution, which traps heat and increases the average global temperature.