Creation Care Mom

In a world where we are bombarded with media of every kind, it can feel as though you are alone in your opinions on climate change. One of the biggest reasons for this is that fear of rejection if we talk about it.

So we don’t. We don’t say anything.

This perpetuates the myth that few people care or are trying to act.

But the answer is that most care. So it is absolutely worth talking about!

Yale’s program on Climate Change Communication has been studying America’s beliefs and attitudes about climate since 2005. From their home page, you will find this listed as What We Do:

“We conduct scientific research on public climate change knowledge, attitudes, policy preferences, and behavior, and the underlying psychological, cultural, and political factors that influence them. We also engage the public in climate change science and solutions, in partnership with governments, media organizations, companies, and civil society, and with a daily, national radio program, Yale Climate Connections.” (climatecommunication.yale.edu)

There are many wonderful interactive resources, articles, and projects within their site. Most are updated regularly to keep tabs on the ever changing nature of public opinions. Today, I want to focus on “Global Warming’s Six America’s”. Take the Quiz yourself here before we continue on.

You will find yourself placed in one of six categories. Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, or Dismissive. In general, Alarmed and Concerned (56% total) support climate action. They are just moving on different timelines. The Cautious (15%) still aren’t sure what to believe or who to trust. The Disengaged (6%) are staying out of it, while the Doubtful (11%) are the “it’s a natural cycle” group. Your climate deniers would fall in the Dismissive (11%) group. (We all probably know at least one) Read the full article on the project here.

If you’ve read any of my other posts, it probably doesn’t surprise you that I am in the “Alarmed” category. I see global warming/climate change as a current pressing issue. I see its effects in my every day life and am concerned about how it will effect my children. It was so comforting to read this research because I knew I was not alone. I can comfortably say that my circle composes some from every category, but the weight of the Dismissive’s voice prevented me from speaking openly with most of them.

Reality is, that the Dismissive’s seem to have the loudest microphone. They are intimidating and vocal, amplified the most by the media. They believe in conspiracy theories and doubt any scientific evidence. They tend to be wealthy or at least benefit financially from the status quo. It can seem like they are all around us. This research says otherwise and that is encouraging!

As the vocal minority, they have done their damage. They have convinced the majority of us to keep quiet, to shrink our influence. For so long, they have had overwhelming influence politically because we felt too alone to speak.

It is time for their era of influence to end. Our voice needs to get louder, online, in the media, in the boardroom, and in the government. Each of us has a sphere, maybe many, where are voice can make a difference. I chose to go online and write, but I also am leading a Bible study on creation care. I want my voice to move those from Cautious to Alarmed. I want my voice to add to the majority.

I’d love to hear where you fall in the spectrum. Let me know in the comments.

And remember, every decision is a climate decision, a vote for our future.