Resources for Earth Day

Learn: Climate Facts and Myths

For some people, there are a lot of emotions around climate change, and there is also a lot of misinformation about it. Some people deny climate change, perhaps out of fear, misunderstanding, or an unwillingness to confront the changes it demands of modern societies. Others may overhype the immediate risk to human life, perhaps out of their own fear, misunderstanding, or desire to spur people to action. Let’s confront some facts and myths about climate change before we talk about how to cope with some of these fears that may be coming up.

PRINT/SHARE the Myths and Facts quiz or read these through with the teen in your life:

1. True/False: Climate change is a natural process, so human activities aren’t responsible for modern climate change.
   • False. While Earth’s climate changes naturally over time, the rapid warming we’ve seen in recent decades is primarily due to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels.
2. True/False: The concept of a ‘carbon footprint’ as a tool for individuals to help the environment was championed by oil companies.
   • True. In July 2000, the oil company BP spent $200 million to market themselves as an environmentally friendly company. As part of that campaign, they popularized the idea of ‘carbon footprint’ and ‘carbon footprint calculators,’ which allow people to input information about their lifestyle and receive a number of how much carbon they personally emit. Critics say that the move was meant to shift responsibility from companies to individuals so that companies did not have to change their products or processes. (The Truth About Carbon Footprints – Conservation Law Foundation)
3. True/False: Recycling is one of the most important weapons to fight climate change.
   • False. While personal choices matter, systemic changes—such as implementing renewable energy sources—are needed to effectively address climate change. Recycling itself has little effect on climate change, though reducing waste is still an important environmental goal. (climateworks.org; Does recycling actually help the climate? » Yale Climate Connections)
4. True/False: Climate change is responsible for extremely cold weather in some places.
   • True. Climate change influences various aspects of weather, leading to more extreme events like hurricanes, blizzards, extreme cold, heat waves, and droughts. Although global average temperatures are getting warmer, individual areas may also experience more extreme cold temperatures in the winter.
5. True/False: Without drastic changes, humans are likely to go extinct from climate change within 100 years.
   • False. While climate change presents serious threats to human health, experts believe extinction is unlikely. However, if we don’t take significant action, it could lead to widespread challenges, including extreme weather, food and water shortages, international conflicts, and refugee crises.
6. True/False: Oceans absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2) than trees.
   • True. Trees absorb CO2, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but oceans play a much more significant role in CO2 absorption. Protecting the health of our oceans is a critical aspect of addressing climate change.
7. True/False: It is already too late to stop climate change, so we might as well enjoy burning fossil fuels.
   • False. By taking action now, we can still avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Every degree matters in preserving human, animal, and plant lives.
8. True/False: We have already developed all the technology needed to combat climate change.
   • True. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power produce little to no greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. While work is needed to adapt these technologies for global use, we already have invented effective solutions to stop climate change and have made huge steps in reducing the risks of climate change.
9. True/False: Oil company leaders knew as early as the 1950s that gasoline powered cars and the burning of fossil fuels would change the environment and threaten human health.
   • True. Despite this knowledge, some of these companies publicly cast doubt on climate science and funded misinformation campaigns to downplay the risks associated with their products. (Harvard Gazette)
10. True/False: Climate change affects everyone around the world equally.
    • False. Climate change, though happening around the world, disproportionately affects some communities over others. Low-income countries often lack the infrastructure and resources to adapt to extreme weather, rising sea levels, or crop failures. In the United States, low-income communities, particularly communities of color, are more likely to live in flood zones or heat islands.

Create: Rainbow Craft

PRINT/SHARE the Rainbow Craft Instructions, a blank sheet of paper, and markers/colors.

SAY:

The rainbow in the story of Noah represents a promise— a commitment to protecting life and the world. Today, as we face the challenges of climate change, we too, are called to reflect on what we value, what we fear, and what we can do to protect our planet. We’re going to create a personalized rainbow that reflects our emotions, hopes, and commitments in response to climate change.

The first thing you will do is draw a large rainbow shape with 5 stripes. Inside each arc, you will write or draw or write a response to the prompts on your handout.

• Stripe 1. What is one truth about climate change that you know is real and important? 
• Stripe 2. What is one thing in nature or the world that you feel personally called to protect? 
• Stripe 3. What worries you most about climate change and its effects? 
• Stripe 4. What is one thing—big or small—you can do to be part of the solution?
• Stripe 5. What is one prayer, wish, or blessing you have for the earth during a time of environmental challenge?  

ALLOW your teen about 10 minutes to create their rainbows. Ask your teen to SHARE what they created and what it means to them.

SAY:

Our connections with others make us stronger. A rainbow is actually a full circle, even though we usually only see part of it. When you are in an airplane you can sometimes see the entire circular rainbow! In the same way, when we come together, we see more of the full picture and find the confidence to take action. Change happens when we recognize our power and support each other in making a difference.