Science winning over climate-change deniers
Though more balanced conversation is evolving, misinformation persists
In recent years, a noteworthy shift has occurred in the conversations surrounding climate change. What was once a landscape overflowing with blatant denial and misinformation has gradually transformed into a more balanced science-based discussion. The era of climate change denial is slowly waning, and in its place is a growing recognition of the urgent need for action.
Not long ago, individuals who dared to speak out about the reality of climate change were commonly met with scorn and skepticism. Climate scientists such as Michael Mann, who have dedicated their lives to understanding and addressing this evidence-based threat, faced relentless attacks from those seeking to discredit their work. However, the discourse is turning, and now, these same scientists are winning lawsuits against those who peddle misinformation.
The reason for this shift is clear: The evidence supporting the reality of climate change has become overwhelming. Scientists from the University of B.C.'s faculty of forestry are among those speaking out about the world's climate crisis. A hydrology expert and pioneer of applying the probabilistic framework of attribution science to flood risk, Younes Alila reminds us that climate change and clearcut logging undeniably contribute to record-breaking floods and droughts. His team's research routinely shows B.C.'s heightened risk from climate and land-use changes is exacerbated by forest-cover loss.
Internationally acclaimed award-winning author Suzanne Simard warns that our forests are being degraded at an alarming rate and we need to stop clearcutting our remaining old growth and primary forests. And Lori Daniels and her team educate us about the realities of future wildfire seasons, including zombie fires, which are wildfires that burn deep underground and reignite or flare up again after they have been seemingly contained or extinguished. In recent years, the occurrence of zombie wildfires even in winter months has added a new dimension of worry. Approximately 90 zombie fires are burning in the province at this time.
Daniels and her team advocate proactive solutions such as ecological restoration by carefully reducing fuel loads in high-risk ecosystems and revitalizing cultural burning led by Indigenous people. The urgency of the climate crisis demands action, and the scientific community is leading the charge.
Despite the mounting evidence and tireless efforts of researchers here in B.C. and around the world, a stubborn community of climate change deniers persists.
These individuals and organizations, often with industry agendas backing them, continue to sow doubt and confusion. They utilize tactics that range from attacking scientists personally to “manufacturing doubt,” where scientific understanding is still evolving, to create disbelief and uncertainty. This creates confusion and stalls action.
Examples of such bullying behaviour are outlined in a well-known study published in the journal Nature Climate Change revealing that prominent climate change skeptic groups, such as the Heartland Institute, have received significant funding from fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil and Koch Industries. This financial backing allowed them to perpetuate misinformation campaigns.
In Canada, organizations such as the Corporate Mapping Project are dedicated to demonstrating how the power and influence of fossil fuel industries in Canada's western provinces affect the climate conversation. It is crucial that we recognize the humanity of these scientific leaders. They are not immune to the impacts of deliberate bullying and fearmongering tactics — ranging from public verbal attacks to death threats. However, their dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of society remains unwavering. We owe it to them, and to future generations, to support their efforts and heed their warnings.
In 2024, the devastating effects of climate change are no longer hypotheticals — they are stark realities that confront us daily. From increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events to the degradation of our natural ecosystems that support our life on this planet, the signs are clear: The time for action is now.
We must not allow manufactured doubt to stifle the chorus of scientific consensus. By following the science and embracing evidence-based solutions, we can still chart a course toward a more sustainable future.
The tide is turning, but we must ensure that it turns decisively, once and for all. Our planet and future generations depend on that.