Climate change is a decided fact among the sweeping majority of all scientists and scientific societies. Multiple studies have decreed that 97% of scientists agree climate change is a real phenomena and is directly caused by humans. Most organizations that are a trusted source of science and technology news have put out statements confirming the matter.
However, climate change seems to be incorrectly viewed as a political debate. One of the main reasons for this is that the media presents it as such. When talk shows and opinion pieces discuss a climate change “debate”, they show one person in favor and one against, suggesting that both sides have equal validity and equal support. In reality, this is not the case. An overwhelming majority, almost all, of scientists agree with the facts surrounding global warming, while only a few outliers are blind disagreement.
In addition to the statistically inaccurate portrayal, the media also conveys this topic as one to form an opinion on. Climate change is a scientifically accepted fact, just as is the theory of gravity, Newton’s laws of motion, and the theory of evolution. It is not an idea that is up to debate. It is a fact, and the best way to convey this to the general population is to portray it as such.
Media sources may utilize the concept of a debate for views, to spark controversy, or to distract from political problems despite its inaccuracies.
Check out John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” video for more info on the subject (it’s actually hilarious, you won’t regret it).