Climate Change Skepticism: WhatShould You Believe?
Aug 25, 2025
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By: Grace Xie
Climate change has become increasingly hotly debated on the global stage. While some countries are shifting towards an emphasis on sustainability, others increase their use of fossil fuels. It is often impossible to escape mentions of global warming in the news. Is climate change man-made? Is it a natural pattern on Earth? These questions have been debated numerous times in the past years. While some fully believe in a set date in which it will be impossible to reverse the effects of climate change, others believe it has not occurred at all. Yet, others may be somewhere in the middle. This article is intended to explore where climate change skepticism originates from, what scientific research finds, and how to identify misinformation.
There are various causes of skepticism. One large cause is psychological factors. Some might believe the conspiracy that climate change is pushed to intentionally fearmonger or for one group to gain power by presenting a fake problem. Other times, people purposefully seek out information to confirm their point of view without researching other possibilities. They are then trapped in a cycle of misleading information that strengthens their beliefs. Politics and economics have also contributed to skepticism. Much money can be made from supporting fossil fuels, incentivizing politicians who may be supported by big businesses. In particular, Republicans receive a large majority of the fossil fuel industry’s support, incentivizing them to push an agenda that is heavily critical of the existence of climate change. Last but not least, misinformation spreads very quickly on social media where the most sensational and angering posts receive engagement, further encouraging the algorithm to distribute misinforming knowledge.
However, in opposition to skepticism, science is very clear about the prevalence of climate change. Using data from X, University of Michigan researchers found almost 15% of Americans believe climate change does not exist. On the other hand, various global research has concluded that temperatures are indeed rising at rates that have not been seen in the past. Much of it has been caused by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trapping heat within the atmosphere. As glaciers retreat, ice melts, and oceans warm, it is no longer adequate to ignore the clear evidence. Sea level rises have already begun to threaten communities around the world. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, are becoming more severe and common. Weather patterns are also being disrupted. For example, the warming Arctic has weakened the polar vortex, causing colder weather in southern regions like Texas. In addition, most scientists –97% – agree that climate change is caused by humans. From fossil fuel use, manufacturing, transportation, and deforestation to urbanization, the world is becoming, if it is not already, unsustainable.
On the bright side, it is not difficult to identify misinformation. First, check all information you see online with reliable sources such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC). Additionally, be skeptical of sources that seem to be vague about where their evidence is from. Do not accept statistics or information portrayed as facts without first researching the validity of its source. Last but no least, always research both sides of a debate to come up with your own opinions rather than parroting ideas you see online.
Climate action requires global support, starting with public acknowledgement. However, skepticism is a major obstacle to progress. People can make better informed decisions when they are fully educated about the current state of the environment. One should always stay informed and support climate activism for a more sustainable future.
Sources:
https://science.nasa.gov/climate-change/evidence/
https://science.nasa.gov/climate-change/faq/do-scientists-agree-on-climate-change/
