BLOG: We Shouldn't Be Afraid to Link Climate Change to Hurricane Irma and Harvey
Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, made headlines this past week by saying that as Hurricane Irma approaches land, it is not the right time to talk about climate change and its role in generating such a massive storm.
Pruitt is notorious for his climate change denial, refusing to admit that humans have caused the earth's temperatures to warm. It's not altogether surprising, then, that he wants to avoid a discussion of climate change.
It would be ridiculous, of course, to say climate change alone caused Hurricane Irma and Harvey. But the point is that, as climate writer Naomi Klein told Democracy Now—
The impact of humans on the earth's temperature are a crucial part of the story of Hurricane Irma and Harvey. Without acknowledging this, a story about these natural disasters fails to go beyond the surface level and doesn't delve into how storms of this intensity will continue in the future. The role of climate change in these storms is just as important an element as the speed of the hurricane's winds or the amount of rainfall it generates.
Specifically, because the media is such an important conveyer of information, there are certain strategies they should employ to ensure the public understands the link between climate and large, destructive storms.
Include information of climate change and its relation to hurricane strength high up in a broadcast or story.
Quote reputable climate scientists or have them on as guests to talk about the role of climate change in these disasters.
Challenge public officials like Pruitt on why they are trying to minimize the connection between climate and hurricanes.
Ask politicians what measures will be taken to slow the progress of climate change so that destructive natural disasters are not as frequent.
Are there other strategies you think the media should be using to explain the connection between climate change and powerful storms? Share them in the comments.
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