Fear’s Role in Climate Change Issues

Climate Change and Fear

First of all, I have been wondering, ‘What causes so many people to still believe that climate change is not happening despite the overwhelming scientific consensus that it is and that it is primarily manmade?’. Of course, there is unbalanced media coverage that makes it look as though there isn’t scientific consensus on the issue. But there is more to it, for sure.

One factor that really stands out that I think is prevalent in the minds of most individuals is this:

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Fear that ‘I am causing the biggest world disaster in the history of humankind’ makes people cling to the hope that climate change is not actually happening. We know that driving, using fossil fuel-based electricity, and eating animals are leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions now. And we can all change our lifestyle if we have enough will, but we are not yet doing it! So, in order to avoid that feeling and that fear (that we are causing this disaster), many people want to believe that climate change is not confirmed scientifically yet.

(I think it is more of a testament to people’s good will — not wanting to cause such destruction — than any inherent evil in them.)

The problem with this is that the longer we wait to admit it, the less we can do to prevent it. And thus, the more it is likely to come true.

I was at a climate conference a couple years ago where something really surprised me. I expected doom and gloom faces at the conference, but I found a ton of positivity instead. I realized, people were more positive there because they weren’t fighting to push that fear into the back of their minds. They realized the negative ramifications, they accepted the fear, but they were acting on their hope that they could do something positive about the issue — it brought them happiness to be doing something other than fighting their fear.

I think overcoming this fear is a key to overcoming the climate change challenge. But not overcoming it by fighting its existence, overcoming it by understanding it, realizing its proper place in the situation and then living a life based on hope for the future, a life sprouting forth from positive practice not denial.

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By Zach | December 4, 2009 | Climate Change, Government Policy & Politics | 7 Comments |
  • Gerard Vaughan

    Back in ’69, I decided to jump-across a fissure in the granite rocks of the Cornish coaast at Tintagel. I doubt that I shall ever see the place again to check, but as I recall, it looked JUST-about possible to remain un-smashed-up on the rocks and sea 100 foot below – if I got my maths and physics right, and didn’t “blow it” The gap was about 6 feet and the other side about 2 feet lower. I cannot recall checking to see if there was any way back, should I still be in a position to need it !
    Yes, Maths and Physics – whatever they are / that is – maybe better than fear. Or not, as the case / inquest, may be.

  • http://www.capitansalsa.com Josue The Captain Cano

    What a great article. Personally, i’m a vegetarian and for reasons mentioned in the article. Yes, it is true that by eating less meat or no meat at all your impact on the environment becomes less. Thank you for mentioning that. Also, don’t forget about the ice levels in the poles. They are going down.

  • http://nonpropro.org JOY

    I have made decisions based upon fear(s) which have benefitted me greatly, without ramifications upon others. I feel/fear that logical/knowledge is a comprehensive meter that gauges a gauge. Bottom line, I fear 2012 has merit and this is prior to my finding out about the calendar – and I fear 2012 is a gauge.

  • http://www.stumbleupon.com/favorites/reviews/ Wavehunter

    Love the article. And I agree with Josue that it’s good you mentioned meat. The official line is that the meat industry contributes 18% of greenhouse gases, but a recent article by those-in-the-know suggests the true figure may be 51%.

    As well as fear, climate change is a collective action problem. To beat it we need to act together, which means we need to be organised. It makes little difference whether I drive a Hummer; it makes a lot of difference whether we all do. Thus we need to force our governments to coerce us into making the right decisions. Otherwise we’ll die waiting for someone else act.

  • Patricia

    Thank you for the thoughtful article Zachery. I agree with Wavehunter’s above post; we all need to work together. I also agree that most people will not make sacrifices without government intervention of some kind. As far as meat consumption, quite a few prominent intellects have commented on the derogatory effect of eating our fellow creatures. Albert Einstein being one of them of course; I don’t have much hope of that changing in my lifetime.

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