Climate change: Youthful advocates influencing skeptics' beliefs
While international leaders assemble for the COP28 conference in Dubai, environmental campaigners globally continue to confront those skeptical about climate change. Young individuals from five nations shared with BBC News their strategies to convince those who incorrectly argue that climate change is a myth.
As a child in Egypt, Hossna Hanafy, an artist, did not believe that climate change was a genuine problem. "I didn't consider it as a worldwide issue, or that it could be connected to human actions," she explains.
Scientists warn that Alexandria, Ms Hanafy's hometown situated along the Mediterranean shoreline, is threatened by increasing sea levels as global warming intensifies and polar ice caps dissolve.
However, she recounts that during her school days, her educators derided the idea, inaccurately asserting that such a scenario would "never occur".
Ms. Hanafy ascribed the alterations in Egypt's already dry climate, which researchers have associated with climate change, to "divine intervention and natural processes."
"She never doubted it," she remembers. It was only when her sister, an engineer, started questioning her perspective that Ms Hanafy felt the need to investigate the subject on the internet.
Initially, she had her doubts, thinking, "Scientists can often overstate things." However, the discovery of new data and more discussions with her sister eventually shifted Ms Hanafy's perspective.
"She now informs the BBC that [climate change] is a catastrophe," she says. "It's significantly greater than I had initially believed."
Currently, she conducts classes where kids and adolescents can understand about global warming and various environmental concerns through arts and crafts or interactive activities.
"She asserts that they convey the information in an engaging and enjoyable manner that leaves a lasting impression. They inspire them to initiate discussions with their parents and peers."
Addressing untruths with evidence
Various factors cause individuals to doubt climate change: ranging from a lack of scientific knowledge, to suspicion towards institutions, or even due to certain belief systems.
Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas, a 16-year-old student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, mentions that one of his relatives was convinced that the concept of climate change was a politically motivated scam.
Her conviction was majorly shaped by incorrect information she came across on social media and from specific news outlets.
Mr Biswas was eager to alter his cousin's perspective and sought assistance from science.
I presented scientific data and studies indicating that climate change is a significant contributor to severe weather conditions.
It was only after he demonstrated the existing effects of climate change in their homeland that his cousin started to rethink her position.
I relayed tales to her about the impact of extreme weather phenomena such as floods and storms on individuals in Bangladesh.
Researchers affirm that due to climate change, severe weather conditions are occurring more often and with greater severity. Devastating floods or droughts serve as a stark and fatal illustration of its global impact.
"Every year, this community experiences drought," states Denembaye Julienne, a Chadian environmental advocate.
Initially, people in my neighborhood believed that climate change was either a natural occurrence or a divine retribution.
"I presented an aged photograph of Lake Chad alongside a more recent one, asking individuals to note the variations between the two pictures," she explains.
A 2018 report from the UN stated that Lake Chad has reduced in size by 90% over roughly 60 years, with climate change being one of the main reasons.
Through the juxtaposition of images, she demonstrated to her local community that climate change isn't a distant issue for upcoming generations, but is already impacting individuals in Chad.
It takes time to shift perspectives. Murtaza Habib, a Pakistani university student, shared comparable encounters while discussing with older family members who viewed climate change as a remote problem that didn't impact their daily routines.
Researchers argue that human-induced climate change has heightened the chances of severe rain during the monsoon period in Pakistan. However, Mr Habib's family viewed this event as "a divine intervention," rather than a consequence of human actions.
Mr. Habib indicates that altering their perspective on climate change has required "considerable time, enduring patience, and sustained endeavor" due to their firmly established views. "Such transformations seldom occur instantaneously," he adds.
Mr. Habib suggests that people's anxieties and worries should be handled with care. "Practice active listening," advises Mr. Habib. "When they pose questions or express uncertainties, show patience and respect."
No one appreciates being under assault, therefore maintain a cordial and receptive dialogue.
When questioned if he has managed to alter the viewpoints of his senior family members, Mr Habib confesses that they haven't completely let go of their former beliefs.
However, informing them about the impacts of global warming has led his family members to adopt a more eco-friendly way of life. For instance, they have switched to using gas instead of burning wood for food preparation and warmth.
"Climate-focused communication doesn't always succeed in changing people's attitudes," states Rachel McCloy, a faculty member specializing in applied behavioral science at the University of Reading.
Some individuals may be advised to lower their thermostat settings for the sake of environmental conservation. However, not everyone may share this environmental focus, but they could be motivated by the prospect of saving on their energy bills.
What happens if there's no mutual understanding? Not all individuals who attempt to interact with friends or family who are doubtful about climate change manage to achieve their goal.
Fazeela Mubarak divides her time between London and Mombasa, Kenya, engaging in advocacy initiatives for women and girls who are impacted by climate change.
Upon hearing a friend incorrectly assert that the climate has perpetually fluctuated and it was beyond human control, she attempted to persuade her otherwise.
She clarified to her that the emission of greenhouse gases due to the combustion of fossil fuels is causing a swift increase in the Earth's temperature. This is consequently leading to more severe weather conditions throughout the area.
Her companion didn't concur with her perspectives. "Despite our disagreement, we remain friends, yet we've ceased discussing the environment," she articulates.
Worldwide studies indicate that there is a broad acknowledgment of climate change as a danger. However, conspiracy theories persistently circulate on the internet and it may be challenging to alter the perspectives of those propagating them.
"Convincing those individuals and spending considerable time discussing with them has its restrictions," states Alison Anderson, a sociology professor at the University of Plymouth.
Conversely, there exists a considerably larger crowd of individuals who might possess uncertainties about climate change or hold misinformed beliefs, and are more receptive to contemplating different perspectives.
"It's much more beneficial to communicate with those individuals."
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