Climate Change: Young Advocates Swaying the Opinions of Doubters
While world leaders convene at the COP28 meeting in Dubai, eco-activists globally persist in contesting climate deniers. Adolescents from five nations shared with BBC News their efforts to alter the beliefs of those who falsely assert that climate change is a hoax.
As a child in Egypt, Hossna Hanafy, an artist, wasn't convinced that climate change was an actual problem. "I never imagined it as a worldwide issue, or that it could be linked to human actions," she shares.
Scientists warn that as the earth continues to heat up and the polar ice caps dissolve, Ms Hanafy's hometown of Alexandria, situated on the Mediterranean shoreline, is threatened by increasing ocean levels.
However, she states that her teachers at school ridiculed the idea, falsely asserting that such a scenario would "never occur".
Ms. Hanafy ascribed alterations in Egypt's naturally dry climate, a condition that scientists associate with climate change, to "divine intervention and natural phenomena".
"She never doubted it," she reminiscences. The doubts only started creeping in when her sister, who is an engineer, started questioning her beliefs. That's when Ms Hanafy felt a strong need to investigate the subject on the internet.
Initially, she had her doubts, thinking, "Scientists have a tendency to overstate things." However, after obtaining more data and having additional discussions with her sister, Ms Hanafy's perspective shifted.
"She now admits to the BBC that [climate change] is a catastrophe," she says. "It's significantly worse than I initially believed."
Currently, she conducts sessions where kids and teens can gain knowledge about global warming and other ecological concerns via arts and crafts or interactive activities.
"She expresses that they present the information in an engaging and enjoyable manner that sticks with them. They motivate them to initiate discussions with their parents and pals."
Addressing untruths with evidence
The motivations that drive individuals to doubt the reality of climate change are diverse: from a lack of scientific comprehension to a skepticism of establishments, or even due to ideological beliefs.
Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas, a 16-year-old student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, shares that one of his relatives was under the impression that the notion of climate change was nothing more than a politically motivated scam.
Her opinion was mainly shaped by incorrect information she came across on social media and from specific news outlets.
Mr. Biswas was keen on altering his cousin's perspective and decided to use science as his aid.
I presented scientific data and studies indicating that climate change is a significant factor causing severe weather conditions.
Only when he demonstrated to her that climate change was already affecting their native land did his cousin start to reassess her position.
I recounted tales to her about how extreme weather conditions, such as floods and storms, impacted individuals in Bangladesh.
Researchers assert that due to climate change, severe weather occurrences are increasing in frequency and intensity. The global ramifications of this change are clearly seen and felt through extreme flooding or droughts.
"Every year, this community faces drought," states Denembaye Julienne, a Chadian environmental advocate.
Initially, the common belief within my community was that climate change was either a natural occurrence or a divine retribution.
"So, I presented an aged picture of Lake Chad and a modern one, and encouraged individuals to note the disparities in the two photos," she states.
A UN report from 2018 states that Lake Chad has reduced in size by 90% over approximately 60 years, with climate change being a major cause.
Through a comparison of images, she demonstrated to her local community that climate change isn't just a distant issue for future generations, but it's already impacting individuals in Chad.
Shifting mindsets 'requires time'
Murtaza Habib, a college learner in Pakistan, has encountered comparable situations while conversing with older family members who viewed climate change as "a far-off problem", "not impacting" their daily existence.
Researchers claim that human-induced global warming has heightened the chances of severe downpours during Pakistan's monsoon season. However, the family of Mr. Habib perceives this occurrence as a "divine intervention", instead of attributing it to human actions.
Mr. Habib explains that altering their perspective on climate change has required "endurance, perseverance, and continuous hard work" due to their firmly held convictions. "Such transformations seldom occur instantly," he notes.
Mr. Habib emphasizes that people's worries and fears should be handled delicately. "Practice active listening," suggests Mr. Habib. "If they pose questions or express uncertainties, respond with patience and respect."
Everyone dislikes being targeted, therefore maintain a pleasant and welcoming dialogue.
Inquired if he has managed to alter the viewpoints of his elderly family members, Mr. Habib concedes that they have not completely let go of their former convictions.
However, once his family was informed about the impacts of climate change, they chose to adopt a more eco-friendly way of life. One change they made was switching from firewood to gas for their cooking and heating needs.
"Utilizing climate-centric communication doesn't necessarily influence people," states Rachel McCloy, an associate professor specializing in applied behavioural science at the University of Reading.
We can advise certain individuals to lower their thermostat settings for environmental benefits. However, others may not share the same environmental concerns, but they could be motivated by the prospect of financial savings.
What happens if there's no mutual understanding? Not everyone attempting to converse with friends or family who are skeptical about climate change succeeds in their endeavor.
Fazeela Mubarak divides her time between London and Mombasa, Kenya, where she champions the cause of women and girls impacted by climate change.
Upon hearing a friend inaccurately assert that the climate has always been fluctuating and that it was something we had no control over, she attempted to sway her opinion.
She clarified to her that the emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels is causing the swift heating of the earth. This, in turn, is contributing to the increase of severe weather occurrences throughout the area.
Her companion did not concur with her viewpoints. "We remain buddies, however, we no longer talk about the weather," she states.
Although international studies indicate a general acknowledgment of climate change as a significant risk, the proliferation of conspiracy theories on the internet remains unimpeded – and altering the beliefs of those propagating them could prove challenging.
"Convincing those individuals through extensive discussions isn't always productive," states Alison Anderson, a sociology professor at the University of Plymouth.
On the other hand, there is a significantly larger demographic who may be skeptical about climate change or hold incorrect beliefs. They are more inclined to entertain different perspectives.
Communicating with those individuals is significantly more beneficial.
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