Myth 6: Climate change is the daily change I see in weather
The difference between weather and climate can be simply described as a measure of time. The conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time are defined as weather while climate is how the atmosphere "behaves" over relatively long periods of time. Thus, weather is the day-to-day variations in precipitation, temperature and clouds and climate is the average weather pattern in a place over many years. While the weather may change everyday (or not!), when one talks about climate change it is on the basis on shifts in weather patterns over typically 20 or 30-year timeframes or longer. An old adage says, "Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get."
Myth 7: As an individual I can make no difference in the climate change cause
In a specially-recorded video statement for Earth Hour, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “Climate change is a people problem. People cause climate change and people suffer from climate change. People can also solve climate change.” Earth Hour shows us what individuals can achieve when they come together to change climate change. From creating widespread awareness to driving support for critical conservation projects and igniting climate-friendly legislative changes, people have the power to not only adopt sustainable lifestyles but also push forward sustainable practices and reforms by businesses, cities and governments. Change begins with you.
Myth 8: Climate change will not affect those living in cold countries
With much of the talk around climate change revolving around a rise in temperatures, one tends to believe the impact won’t be felt in cold countries or even if it is, it might be a welcome change. However, in reality, climate change transcends borders and what it will spark is a shift in global weather patterns and precipitation trends and a rise in extreme weather events, which will be experienced in both warm and cold countries. The impact of shorter but more intense winters on communities, wildlife and fauna in cold countries could be a game-changer for livelihoods and biodiversity as we know them.
Myth 9: climate change is a natural cycle
Yes, the climate has changed, sometimes extremely rapidly, in the past. However, it is important to note that while in the past, the cycle was driven by natural factors, the change we observe at present can be largely attributed to human activity and is at an unprecedented pace. One of the biggest control knobs of the climate system (both in history and now) is carbon dioxide, or CO2, and it is currently at the highest concentration it has ever been in all of human history.
Myth 10: climate change is not real
Climate change is real and it is happening now. Climate scientists are in near 100% agreement that human activities are contributing to increase in greenhouse gas emissions and global warming which are driving climate change. The questions and concerns, if any, are with regard to how significant the warming will be, and how different places will be affected but the phenomenon of climate change itself is not being questioned. This is not the time for speculation on the existence but rather a time for action to change climate change.