What are Common misconceptions about global warming?

Answer 1

One common misconception is that global warming is caused entirely by the sun and has nothing to do with human activity. We have satellites in orbit about the sun making careful and precise measurements of its output. Over the past 40 years there has been a very slight and unexpected cooling trend, not large enough to have any discernible impact on planetary climates, however.

Another common misconception is the fact that because the climate has changed before, when human activity could not have had any impact, it is somehow impossible that humans could have any impact on current climate change. That is very similar to the argument that if the wind can knock down trees, humans cannot saw them down.

Another misconception is that the climate WAS warming, but is now cooling. 2000-2009 was the hottest decade on record, and 2010 tied with 2005 as the hottest year on record.

Yet another misconception is that Antarctica is gaining ice. Antarctica is LOSING ice, and at an accelerated rate.

There are many other misconceptions, many of which are promoted by the Heartland Institute, an organization that tried to prove there was no connection between smoking and lung cancer before assuming this new Propaganda role for the fossil fuel industry.

Answer 2

1. Global warming is sometimes confused with "climate change," but global warming specifically refers to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature.
2. Some people believe that global warming is a natural cycle, but the current trend is driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
3. There is a misconception that global warming will only result in warmer temperatures, when in fact it can lead to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruption of ecosystems.