http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#discussion http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18372 Katryn Wiese 1321322640 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18372 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18374 Lisa Stright 1321469100 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18374 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18376
On the other hand, predicting certain death and widespread disaster will turn people off or leave them fearful or hopeless. So the topic of risk needs to be addressed with sensitivity. ]]> Karin Kirk 1321469940 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18376 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18378 Andy Buddington 1321480800 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18378 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18380 Bruce Smith 1321483680 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18380 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18382 http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2011/10/20/italian-seismologists-on-trial-for-failing-to-communicate-well/]]> Katryn Wiese 1321492080 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18382 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18384 Mary Savina 1321575900 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18384 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18386 Andy Buddington 1321633740 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post18386 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post21659 I teach several 100-200 level couses where I introduce the science of climate change. Personally, I think that this is one of the biggest issues facing society today and future generations (our students). If we don't teach students the science of CC along with the risk, we are doing them a disservice. By teaching the science of CC first and then integrating risk (based on the sound science), hopefully establishes with the students the potential for the future (generations). But I agree with the above comments that too heavy an emphasis on risk without a sound fundamental scientific basis to link from, can turn students off... Believe it or not, many of my science colleagues in chemistry and biology don't want to constantly hear the gloom and doom. I loved the "gloom and doom" of hazards and such when I was a student, but many folks today don't want that thrown at them. Also by teaching sound science first, I think we can more effectively counter the "FOX News" syndrome many of our students (and the public) have towards CC...
[Bill Bull quote]

Hi Andy:
Humans seem better programmed to react to immediate hazards like a tornado bearing down on them, a flood created by a dam burst, or a fire sweeping through their subdivision. Global climate changes since the start of the industrial revolution have been a gradual hazard that continues to accelerate. This has caused major changes in Earth’s oceans and continental climates that are easy for the news media to dismiss or ignore.

As earth scientists we should alert our students, and the public, to climate-change thresholds (tipping points) that alter how natural systems behave. The news media describes the intense fires sweeping through the American west, but never points out that the behavior of our forests crossed an important threshold ~30 years ago.

New to this format, but will try to attach a 3-page PDF to this discussion that describes this forest-fire threshold.

My email address is bill@activetectonics.com
ClimateThreshold.pdf
]]> William Bull 1343872860 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/hazards/discussions/addressing_clim.html#post21659