It’s time to deconstruct the misconceptions and set the record straight as we share the reality of global warming
1. MYTH: There’s so much wind and rain. Global warming is completely exaggerated.
It’s easy to assume that ‘global warming’ should result in heatwaves and longer summers, but it’s more complicated than that. As the surface temperature of the planet rises, it impacts our climate systems, resulting in more extreme and unpredictable weather in all forms – from droughts to floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and snowstorms.
It’s important to focus on the bigger picture. We may think we’re having a cold snap in winter, but when you compare the average temperature now to decades past, there’s a notable increase. As an example, the Met Office reviewed two 30-year periods (1961–1990 v 1991–2020), and revealed the average temperature in the UK rose by 0.8°C, rainfall increased 7.3%, and sunshine 5.6%.
2. MYTH: Living things are designed to adapt, so climate change doesn’t matter.
It’s true that animals and plants are designed to adapt, however the issue is the speed at which they’re having to change to keep up with the evolving environment is impossible, with increased habitat destruction (thanks to roads, and various other infrastructure), alongside unlivable areas as a result of the volatile weather (such as storms, flooding, and food scarcity).
The future looks bleak if we continue on this trajectory, with a 2019 report estimating one million creatures and plant species are at risk of extinction. Add to that the fact that the current rate of the temperature rise is believed to be 10 times faster than that of the previous mass extinction 56 million years ago, when 95% of marine and 70% of land species were eliminated.
3. MYTH: Living sustainably is too expensive.
The cost of living is undoubtedly hitting people hard right now, so it’s understandable to be cautious about set-up costs for long-term sustainable solutions. In fact, Deloitte’s Sustainable Consumer 2023 report found 62% of people who did not adopt a more sustainable lifestyle cited cost as the reason.
One of the main reasons for the ever increasing costs of energy and food are prices of fossil fuels, alongside volatile weather impacting crops, and therefore supply v demand. Part of the solution is turning to renewable energy sources, and governments backing these plans.
On a personal level, there are many simple things you can do that won’t break the bank – and may even save you money. With UK households generating more than 23 million tons of waste in 2021, according to Statistica, making an effort to repair rather than replace items, alongside cutting back on food waste, lets you support the planet while also saving pennies.
4. MYTH: Other countries are more responsible for emissions; there’s no point in us trying if they won’t change.
It’s true that certain counties are emitting more pollution than others each year – with the top three currently being China (14 billion tons of CO2), the USA (6 billion tons), and India (3.5 billion tons). However, everyone has a part to play in reducing climate change, as this is a global challenge with a worldwide impact. And when we look at the historical, cumulative impact, the USA created 20% of the global total, China 11%, followed by Russia (7%), while the UK is 3%.
There are other factors that impact this though, e.g. if you take into account population size, or the impact of importing goods. So, attributing blame is often debated. Regardless, a sustained commitment to reduce our emissions across the board is what’s required to make a positive change, so focusing on how we can help is more constructive than pointing fingers.
5. MYTH: A 1.5oC change in the temperature isn’t that big a deal.
It doesn’t sound vast in itself, but our ecosystems operate under a delicate balance. Increasing temperatures act as a catalyst for environmental changes that could have devastating impacts, from the increase in extreme weather and natural disasters, to environmental degradation, food and water scarcity, and economic disruption.
NASA reports a few notable effects of this include Greenland losing an average of 279 billion tons of ice each year between 1993 and 2019, with sea levels rising 20cm in the last century – and yet the past two decades have seen that rate nearly double, and continue to accelerate.
6. MYTH: Climate change is going to affect people in the future. It’s the next generation’s problem.
We can’t change what’s happened in the past, but we also shouldn’t ignore the part we’ve had to play in global warming today. In line with the 2015 Paris Agreement, which united 195 nations with the goal of preventing global warming exceeding 1.5oC from pre-industrial levels, the UK is looking to reduce carbon emissions 68% by 2030, and reach net zero by 2050.
However, in February 2024 it was confirmed that this 1.5oC threshold was breached for a full 12 months for the first time, highlighting how pivotal it is for every single person to remain committed to environmentally conscious decisions. While the effects will be most drastically felt by future generations, the only way to reduce this is to act now. Our legacy can be one of proactive protection of our planet and leading by example, rather than taking the world we have for granted.