Researchers will often start their defence of climate science with “97 percent of climate scientists agree that climate change is happening and that humans are to blame…”
And they’re right.
But what do they mean?
Researchers have gone back through the scientific literature and reviewed around 4,000 of the recent articles that state a position on climate change. Turns out that a little over 97 percent of these articles state that climate change is being caused by humans.
This is important.
It shows that the experts agree on the science.
Now we can stop arguing and start working towards a solution.
And they’re right.
But what do they mean?
Researchers have gone back through the scientific literature and reviewed around 4,000 of the recent articles that state a position on climate change. Turns out that a little over 97 percent of these articles state that climate change is being caused by humans.
This is important.
It shows that the experts agree on the science.
Now we can stop arguing and start working towards a solution.
It’s not that easy
Getting the word out that the scientists agree is actually quite difficult, the media continue to give a voice to climate deniers who refuse to accept the scientific consensus, they argue loudly using misinformation and spin leaving the public uncertain of what to believe.
But there are people working to provide everyone with the correct information.
The Consensus Project is one such organisation dedicated to spreading the consensus message. Information about what they're doing and why can be found here.
This entire argument is perhaps best summed up by John Oliver...
I think the take home message is this: Trust the scientists. If 97 percent of doctors said you needed to take a pill to lower your blood pressure, you would. If 97 percent of builders said your house wasn’t structurally sound, you’d do something about it.
We trust these people because they’re experts.
Trust the scientists.
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