10 Climate Lies People Still Believe

10 Climate Lies People Still Believe

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Lorand Pottino, B.Sc. Weather Policy
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1. Climate Change is Just a Natural Cycle

1. Climate Change is Just a Natural Cycle (image credits: unsplash)
1. Climate Change is Just a Natural Cycle (image credits: unsplash)

It’s astonishing how many people still argue that climate change is simply part of Earth’s natural rhythm, as if what’s happening today is nothing out of the ordinary. While it’s true that our planet has warmed and cooled over millions of years, the pace of today’s change is unlike anything recorded before. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that human activity—especially burning fossil fuels—has driven the temperature up by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 1800s. Natural cycles, like ice ages and warm periods, occur over thousands or even millions of years, not decades. The speed at which we’re seeing glaciers melt and sea levels rise cannot be explained by these ancient patterns. Scientists across the globe have reached a loud, united conclusion: humans are the main drivers behind today’s climate crisis. Ignoring this fact is not just outdated—it’s dangerous.

2. The Science is Uncertain

2. The Science is Uncertain (image credits: pixabay)
2. The Science is Uncertain (image credits: pixabay)

Some claim that climate science is riddled with uncertainty, implying there’s still a real debate about what’s causing global warming. But the reality is far less ambiguous. A 2024 survey by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that more than 97% of climate scientists agree that climate change is happening and human activity is the primary cause. This isn’t a fringe opinion; it’s a solid scientific consensus built on decades of data, observation, and peer-reviewed research. The idea of uncertainty is often used as a smokescreen to delay policy and action. While all science involves some level of complexity, the basics of climate change are as certain as gravity. The real uncertainty lies in what will happen if we don’t act quickly enough.

3. Renewable Energy is Not Viable

3. Renewable Energy is Not Viable (image credits: unsplash)
3. Renewable Energy is Not Viable (image credits: unsplash)

A stubborn myth persists that solar, wind, and other renewables can’t possibly replace fossil fuels, that they’re too unreliable or expensive. But the facts in 2025 tell a different story. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that renewables provided over half of all new electricity generation in the country last year. Costs for solar panels and wind turbines have plummeted, making them competitive with traditional energy. Battery storage technology has made huge leaps, allowing energy to be stored for when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Countries like Denmark and Germany already generate over 40% of their electricity from renewables, showing the world what’s possible. The transition is not only feasible—it’s already happening before our eyes.

4. Climate Change is a Distant Problem

4. Climate Change is a Distant Problem (image credits: unsplash)
4. Climate Change is a Distant Problem (image credits: unsplash)

It’s easy to think of climate change as something that will affect only future generations, far removed from our daily lives. But this belief is quickly becoming impossible to justify. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported in 2024 that extreme weather—like wildfires, hurricanes, and catastrophic floods—is occurring more often and with greater intensity. These disasters are not distant warnings; they’re costing billions in damages, destroying homes, and displacing families right now. People in communities from Louisiana to Bangladesh are already facing the harsh reality of a changing climate. The signs are everywhere, and the impacts are unfolding in real time, not just in some far-off future.

5. Carbon Dioxide is the Only Greenhouse Gas

5. Carbon Dioxide is the Only Greenhouse Gas (image credits: pixabay)
5. Carbon Dioxide is the Only Greenhouse Gas (image credits: pixabay)

Many people focus only on carbon dioxide when thinking about greenhouse gases, missing a critical part of the puzzle. While CO2 is certainly significant, gases like methane and nitrous oxide are also powerful contributors to global warming. Methane, for example, traps heat more than 25 times as effectively as carbon dioxide over a century. The Environmental Protection Agency warned in 2024 that methane emissions are surging, especially from agriculture and fossil fuel operations. Ignoring these other gases means underestimating the true scale of the challenge. To slow climate change, we need to keep a watchful eye on all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide.

6. Climate Change is Not Affecting Agriculture

6. Climate Change is Not Affecting Agriculture (image credits: unsplash)
6. Climate Change is Not Affecting Agriculture (image credits: unsplash)

There’s a dangerous misconception that climate change won’t really impact our ability to grow food. In reality, farmers are already struggling with unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and floods. A recent 2024 study published in “Nature” found that yields of vital crops like wheat and maize could drop by as much as 30% in some regions if current trends continue. Farmers are seeing more pests and diseases, as warmer temperatures allow them to spread. Food security is no longer a distant concern; it’s a present-day challenge. To protect our food systems, we need to invest in smarter, more resilient farming methods and adapt to the new climate reality.

7. Electric Vehicles Solve All Emissions Problems

7. Electric Vehicles Solve All Emissions Problems (image credits: pixabay)
7. Electric Vehicles Solve All Emissions Problems (image credits: pixabay)

Electric vehicles are often portrayed as the magic bullet for climate change, but the full story is more complicated. The process of making EV batteries, which requires mining minerals like lithium and cobalt, generates significant emissions. The International Energy Agency’s 2025 report points out that the environmental benefit of EVs depends on how the electricity to charge them is produced. If it comes from coal or gas, the emissions savings are much less. While EVs are essential for cutting tailpipe pollution, they must be part of a bigger shift that includes clean energy, efficient transit, and smarter urban planning.

8. Climate Activism is Just for the Young

8. Climate Activism is Just for the Young (image credits: pixabay)
8. Climate Activism is Just for the Young (image credits: pixabay)

Some think climate activism is only a concern for passionate teenagers and young adults. But older generations are stepping up in ever greater numbers. A 2024 AARP survey found that 70% of people over 50 support strong climate action. Grandparents, retirees, and working professionals are joining rallies, lobbying for policy change, and transforming their communities. Climate change threatens everyone, regardless of age. The growing involvement of older adults is a powerful reminder that the fight for a safe planet is a responsibility we all share, no matter our stage of life.

9. Climate Change is a Hoax

9. Climate Change is a Hoax (image credits: pixabay)
9. Climate Change is a Hoax (image credits: pixabay)

There’s still a vocal minority who dismiss climate change as a fabrication, often accusing scientists and politicians of inventing the crisis. Yet, the evidence couldn’t be clearer. The National Academy of Sciences released a comprehensive report in 2025, reaffirming that climate change is real, measurable, and dangerous to both natural ecosystems and human societies. This narrative of a hoax is often fueled by misinformation and political interests, undermining progress and putting lives at risk. The overwhelming scientific consensus leaves no room for denial.

10. Individual Actions Don’t Matter

10. Individual Actions Don’t Matter (image credits: unsplash)
10. Individual Actions Don’t Matter (image credits: unsplash)

It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such a massive global issue, but the belief that individual efforts are meaningless is completely false. A World Wildlife Fund study in 2024 found that if everyone reduced their carbon footprint by just 10%, it would cut global emissions by over 5 billion tons each year. Simple choices—like eating less meat, using public transportation, or conserving energy—can add up quickly when multiplied across millions of people. Community initiatives and local campaigns can inspire large-scale change. Every action, no matter how small, is a vital part of the solution.

About the author
Lorand Pottino, B.Sc. Weather Policy
Lorand is a weather policy expert specializing in climate resilience and sustainable adaptation. He develops data-driven strategies to mitigate extreme weather risks and support long-term environmental stability.

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