Thanksgiving dinner is a beloved American custom wherein thankfulness is served alongside mashed potatoes and stuffing, and occasionally, a heated argument with your uncle who wears a pilgrim hat about whether climate change is a hoax or a real threat to the planet and humanity.
The stakes are bigger than ever because 2024 is predicted to break all previous records for global temperatures, making it the hottest year on record for the whole world. The dreaded 1.5-degree Celsius (2.7F) threshold, which has been the cumulative global temperature rise since before the Industrial Revolution, will probably be broken this year for the first time.
The metaphorical target, according to scientists, is the increasing frequency, unpredictability, and danger of extreme weather events like storms, droughts, floods, and wildfires. Additionally, they anticipate that the breach would drive mankind past irreversible tipping points that will alter weather patterns, jeopardize ecosystems and species, and seriously jeopardize our food and water systems.
It is impossible to overlook the effects. Twenty-four distinct billion-dollar weather catastrophes set a new record in 2024, and climate-related disasters cost the US more than $61.1 billion in the first ten months alone. According to federal records, since 1980, the United States has seen 400 disasters that have cost more than $1 billion (inflation adjusted) and incidents that have cost $2.785 trillion.Since 2010, more than 80% of those expenses have been incurred.
With Uncle Joe’s scathing criticism of climate denial, your dad’s ferocious support of fossil fuels, and Aunt Karen’s scalding contempt for electric vehicles, navigating these discussions can feel like stepping into Dante’s Inferno. There is a method to survive with your dignity and takeaway dessert intact, so don’t worry, daring dinner guests.
Experts in climate communication advise addressing these discussions with evidence and empathy.
Even if someone throws cranberry sauce to you and says that you should be thankful for fossil fuels for powering the Industrial Revolution, a 2023 Climate Access discussion gives some simple and polite advice you should attempt to follow. The secret is to maintain factual focus even while feelings are running strong.
Moderator and Climate Access deputy director Meredith Herr, geologist and scientific journalist Karin Kirk, and panelist Arunima Krishna, an associate professor at Boston University, advise listening before engaging loved ones. Pay attention to what others are saying and what false information they have encountered. Given the abundance of false information being spread to diverse groups both domestically and internationally, this is extremely important.
The experts advise showcasing communal accomplishments and sharing personal stories. While challenging their sources, pose intelligent queries regarding other people’s viewpoints. Make an effort to meet with them on issues where there is likely to be some consensus, like guaranteeing clean water, air, and more affordable electricity.
If you’re speaking with someone who doesn’t care about those crucial aspects of human survival, you might need to end the conversation. If you need to divert attention, say aloud that the turkey is undercooked or act as though you are choking on your food. Both work quite well.
Naturally, all of this civility might be challenging if there are more people than you and they are hesitant to interact with you in a polite manner.
According to a climate change discussion guide authored by a number of environmental scholars and advocates for the Yale Center for Environmental Communication, you are also not required to continue the conversation. They also advise you to try to persuade your loved ones to adopt a plant-based diet, reduce their travel and driving, and become activists.
All right.
You have to face the swirling mess of denial and ignorance head-on sometimes, typically because of wine. However, you’ll need a plan as intricate as Dante’s journey through hell.
With ratings ranging from Gluttony (lighthearted) to Wrath (direct) and, if you’re feeling particularly heated, Treachery (sharp and snarky), here are some reactions to climate change denial assertions you could hear at the Thanksgiving table.
Make a sensible decision about your course.
Housewife Serving Lunch: Dinner on the Dog (Getty Images)
Climate change is natural; it s been happening for millions of years.
Gluttony:Are you certain? Although there have been previous climate changes, the current rate is hundreds of times quicker than anything that would occur naturally. Do you not find that odd and concerning?
Wrath: Although variations in the climate have always occurred, they used to occur across hundreds of thousands or even millions of years. Due to human actions like burning fossil fuels, we are currently witnessing unparalleled speed. Naturally? Not likely.
Treachery: You’re basically claiming that you don’t comprehend even high school-level science if you believe that the billions of tons of CO2 that humans release into the atmosphere each year isn’t an issue. A greenhouse gas called carbon dioxide absorbs heat that tries to escape into space while allowing sunlight to enter Earth’s atmosphere. It’s similar like covering the earth with a blanket.
Bonus: Although too much CO2 causes drought, crop failures, and harsh weather due to trapped heat, it does aid in plant growth. Plants don’t thrive in those conditions.
Scientists don t even agree on climate change.
Gluttony:Approximately 97% of climate scientists concur that human activity is causing climate change. That seems like a really strong consensus, doesn’t it?
Wrath: That’s simply incorrect. Based on a wealth of independent data, the vast majority of climate specialists concur that humans are impacted by climate change. Acting differently overlooks the truth.
Treachery: If you believe that 3% of fringe scientists are more knowledgeable than 97% of experts, I’m going to assume that you would also follow medical advice from YouTubers rather than your physician. That is denial on a whole other level.
Humans can t change the climate it s too big.
Gluttony: Is it what you truly believe? Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has caused CO2 levels to rise by more than 50%. It’s been measured.
Wrath: No. Massive changes, such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and warmer temperatures, are caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Simply examine the evidence; it is indisputable.
Treachery: To claim that people have no influence over the climate is like to asserting that a match cannot ignite a forest inferno. For ages, people have been setting this globe on fire with just a small spark.Because of their tiny size and fragility, our weather systems can be greatly impacted by seemingly harmless temperature fluctuations. Approximately 90% of tropical storms form in water that is 79 degrees or warmer. Since it’s extremely chilly, not many grow there.
The science behind the laws of nature is highly specific. They tell us that exact changes occur when, for example, environmental elements become hotter and colder.Freshwater boils at 212 degrees but not at 210 degrees. It freezes at 32 degrees but is still water at 31 degrees. A healthy body temperature sits between 97.5 and 99 degrees. But one degree higher, you may have an infection or illness. At 95 degrees, you have hypothermia and are experiencing a medical emergency.Why would small increases in the planet s average temperature be any different? Think about it.
Given the billions of humans burning fossil fuels for energy andtransport, I d say we make a huge difference.
We can t rely on renewables they re too expensive and the sun doesn t shine at night.
Gluttony:In many places, solar and wind are nowcheaper than coal and gas.Doesn t that make them worth considering for cheaper energy bills?
Wrath:That s outdated thinking. Renewables are increasingly cost-competitive, reliable, andgetting cheaper.Asbattery storageand grid technology advances, capturing energy for days when the wind isn t blowing and the sun isn t shining will be much easier. Besides, fossil fuels are the realeconomic drag.
Treachery:So you re saying we should stick with expensive, polluting energy that s running out? That s like refusing a smartphone because rotary phones were acceptable in the 1950s.
Green energy policies will ruin the economy and cost jobs.
Gluttony:I m pretty sure renewables createmore jobsthan fossil fuels, especially in solar and wind. Wouldn t that help the economy?
Wrath:Actually, green energy is already creating thousands of jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Thefossil fuel industry is shrinkingit s the economy that s moving forward.
Treachery:If clinging to dying industries is your smart policy idea, why not bring back VHS tapes and typewriters while you re at it? Jobs in renewables are the future. And guess what?Elon Musk agrees.
Electric cars are just as bad as regular cars because of the materials and energy they use.
Gluttony:That s interesting. I thought electric cars, even with current energy grids, producefewer emissionsover their lifetimes than gas cars. Aren t they at least a step in the right direction while we improve energy sources?
Wrath:Actually, studies show electric cars are significantly cleaner over their lifespan, even accounting for material sourcing and electricity from coal. Plus, there s ongoing work to improve battery recycling and sourcing practices, which is more than can be said for fossil fuel cars.
Treachery:Are you telling me that your solution is to stick with gas cars forever, which burn fuel every single mile? Theypollute children s lungsas they pass schools. They endanger the health ofentire neighborhoods, like those next to interstates and ports. That s like saying eating fast food is fine because salads sometimes come in plastic containers. If we wait for perfection, nothing will change. Do you think the printing press or the first personal computers were perfect? People didn t want them. They changed the world.
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