Many scientists think global climate change is the number one environmental issue the world faces today as it is expected to change every aspect of our world. Therefore, it is important to understand the data behind global climate change. It will also be important to use your best research skills in finding articles and information. Since there are so many myths and misunderstandings surrounding climate change, let’s first explore what science and pseudoscience are.

sci·ence (/ˈsīəns/) – systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation

pseu·do·sci·ence (/ˌso͞odōˈsīəns/) – a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on the scientific method

Pseudoscience is all too often passed off as science. It is especially prevalent when discussing the topic of global climate change. This comes from both sides of the fence – those that believe humans are the primary cause of global warming and those arguing that global warming is not occurring or humans are not responsible. A good article on the Skeptical Scientist Website on the characteristics of pseudoscience being passed off as science can be found at this link. You can find a list of the major myths at this link on the same site. Make sure you don’t include these “myths” or pseudoscience in your discussion.

In your initial post explain how climate change is expected to affect an environmental issue of your choosing. Use the resources below or other credible sources for your research. For example, the NASA page has insights into the future of water, air, and land resources. There is also a NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) site where you can research changes expected in every community (including yours!). There are more at the bottom of the page. Be sure to keep the references you use and include the links at the end of your post.

Sources:

NASA Climate Change page – https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/

NOAA Climate Change impacts – https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate/climate-change-impacts

NOAA Climate Change Explorer, Explore how climate is projected to change in any county in the United States – https://crt-climate-explorer.nemac.org/

World Wildlife Fund – https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/effects-of-climate-change