An Opportunity to Contribute to the Evidence-Based Dialogue
The author is writing a new book on climate change to be published in late winter 2025. The book attempts to cull the truth from the myriads of conflicting information presented in the media; and to explore innovative responses to climate change. Since the book’s focus is on presenting information in a form easily understood by all, the author seeks your input to the book, asking you to contribute as secondary authors. When merited, your contributions will be acknowledged. The following presents a broad view of the focus of the book. View outline. About the author.
A Layman’s Guide to Understanding Climate Change
The scientific reality of climate change is irrefutable, although the precise causes, degree and timing of catastrophic changes are uncertain. Changes happening over many decades are hard to grasp. On the other hand, mankind’s response to climate change is far more uncertain. Climate change response is far too complex to describe in political talking points or social media posts. Response requires complex integration and interdependent planning and actions toward a common goal – something mankind has shown little ability to do. Climate response requires a meeting of the minds; and a reversal of mankind’s deepest drives for near-term gain without sacrifice – “what’s in it for me.” This book describes the need for science, politics and social structures to recognize their impact on the evolving climate crisis; and to break new ground toward an agreed course of action.
In perspective, in forty millennium mankind has not been able to agree on solving relatively simple problems like global hunger and poverty, and the sustainment of peace. Successfully fighting the coming effects of climate change, collectively infinitely more difficult than anything humanity has ever faced, seems improbable. Scientists and climate experts have been warning us for decades, but we do little. Those who profit from the world as it is now resist the sacrifices needed to save humanity. In the end, mankind may not have the collective will, intelligence, and spirit of sacrifice to save their planet, especially if our leaders choose to remain ignorant and opposed to science. Ignorance by choice is a sad indictment of humanity. This book is for those who want to understand climate change, and hopefully with the will to do something for future generations.
Whenever I engage the average American about their views on climate change, I normally get one of two responses; 1) a well-rehearsed statement of ideology – “It’s a hoax,” or 2) “I don’t know what to believe.” Intentional misinformation abounds. Rarely do individuals seek the truth or speak from a point of knowledge. It is sobering to realize how little the average person knows about climate change. Open-minded individuals who really want to know about climate change are seeking answers. This book provides layman-level answers to the following questions, and much more.
- Is the climate crisis real?
- Why do so many believe it’s a hoax?
- Why are people, particularly corporations and politicians, opposing climate efforts?
- Why don’t scientists talk about climate in ways I understand? 1.5 degrees is not relatable
- How will climate change affect my life? My grandchildren’s lives.
- How will climate change affect America and the world? How soon?
- Are emissions reductions and green energy necessary? Will they solve the problem?
- What should American and world governments be doing about it? Are we making progress?
- Why are we making so little progress, if climate change is that important?
- Is it too late to prevent climate change?
- Can science solve the climate problem?
- What should we be teaching our children about climate change?
- If the climate crisis is real, what should we be doing about it? With what urgency?
With this in mind, I welcome your contributions. Please stick to evidence-based information which may be cited. The book is not based upon opinion, junk science, or political ideology, and such inputs will be ignored. Join the dialogue.