Debunking Climate Denialism: Why Ignoring Reality Harms Us All

In 2022, students from Somersfield Academy voiced their concerns about climate change during a demonstration at the Crow Lane roundabout. Imagine being on a sinking ship. Your first emotion would likely be panic, right? The best move would be to face the danger and find a lifeboat, not ignore the captain’s warnings while heading to the pool.

Sadly, this is like the response from the Trump administration regarding climate change. Instead of actively tackling the issue, they’ve opted for a “la la la, I can’t hear you” approach, only worsening the situation.

Recently, the Commerce Department decided to end a partnership with Princeton University that aimed to improve our understanding of the Earth’s complex systems. This initiative was key for climate science but was cut to save nearly $4 million. Their reasoning? They claimed it exaggerated climate threats and contributed to “climate anxiety” among youth.

Ironically, while they express concern about kids’ feelings, they’ve also made cuts to children’s health research and essential services. Critics like Jerel Ezell from UC Berkeley argue that this focus on climate anxiety is a new form of climate denialism. Rather than denying climate change outright, some claim it’s not as urgent or serious as it really is.

A 2021 survey published in Lancet Planetary Health revealed that 84% of young people aged 16-25 worldwide worry about climate change. Fast forward to 2023, and a similar survey found that 85% of American youth share this concern. It’s clear that climate anxiety is prevalent.

However, the NOAA’s educational materials aren’t to blame for this anxiety; the escalating climate crisis itself is. UNICEF reported that climate-related disasters affected nearly 250 million children in 85 countries last year, cutting their education short. Kids are witnessing real impacts—like heatwaves and floods—leading to genuine fear about their futures.

Social media plays a role here, too. Some content can exaggerate fears, rewarding alarmist views with attention. Subreddits like r/collapse, which anticipates catastrophe, have more followers than r/climate. This shows how misinformation can easily spread.

That’s why comprehensive climate education is crucial. Trained teachers can present the facts while reassuring students. Glenn Branch from the National Centre for Science Education emphasizes that teachers must acknowledge students’ emotions but also provide balanced perspectives on climate challenges and solutions.

Hands-on experiences—like outdoor classes—can foster a connection to nature and hope. Teaching about innovative solutions, from solar panels to carbon capture technologies, can empower students, giving them agency over their futures. Research suggests that simply discussing anxieties can alleviate them.

Gale Sinatra, a professor at USC, warns against ignoring these feelings. Instead, educators should receive proper training not just in climate science but in emotional management. Yet many teachers feel unprepared. If our leaders truly cared about the young generation’s anxiety, they would prioritize teacher training over censoring discussions about climate change.

A 2023 survey indicates that many young Americans believe the government is failing them on climate issues. Before Donald Trump’s return to office, over half expressed hesitation about starting families due to climate anxiety. Instead of promoting procreation, dismissing these concerns will only lead to more anxiety.

Ultimately, addressing climate anxiety means being honest about the challenges we face and providing the tools necessary for change. When we face facts together, there’s hope.

• Mark Gongloff is a Bloomberg Opinion editor and columnist covering climate change.

Source link

Climate change, Environmental issue