Talking about climate change can cause fatigue, confusion, or even rejection. In recent years, information has been mixed with opinions, political discourse, and contradictory messages, leaving many people unsure of what to believe. However, climate change is not a matter of belief: it is a phenomenon measured, studied, and confirmed for decades by scientific evidence.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOT AN OPINION; IT IS A MEASURABLE FACT
Earth’s climate has always changed, but what is happening today is different for one main reason: the speed. Natural climate changes occurred over thousands of years. Today, in just one century, the planet has experienced a significant increase in average global temperature.
This is not based on intuition. It is measured with thermometers, weather stations, satellites, and ocean records. Scientific evidence confirms that global warming is real and that human activity plays a central role, especially through the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
When carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases are emitted, they accumulate in the atmosphere and trap heat. It works on the same principle as a greenhouse: solar energy enters, but some of the heat is trapped.
DATA THAT SUPPORTS THIS REALITY
- Sustained increase in global temperature.
- Reduction of glaciers and loss of ice at the poles.
- Rising sea levels.
- Increase in ocean temperatures.
- Changes in rainfall and drought patterns.
- Increase in extreme events in frequency or intensity.
All of this is not a coincidence. Scientific evidence includes thousands of peer-reviewed studies analyzing these phenomena from various disciplines: physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and climatology. Additionally, there is a consensus among the majority of the global scientific community: climate change is happening, and its origin is primarily human.
WHY CONFUSION EXISTS AND WHAT FEEDS IT
One reason many people doubt is that climate change is often presented as a debate, when in reality it is not. In science, a real debate occurs when there are contradictory data. But here, the main body of data is consistent.
Confusion also increases because concepts are sometimes mixed up. For example, you might hear: “If it’s cold today, then there is no global warming.” But climate is not measured by a single day; it is measured by long-term trends.
Another important factor is information overload. Social media, alarmist headlines, or incomplete news can distort perception. In this context, scientific evidence becomes more important than ever as a basis for making informed decisions.
HOW TO IDENTIFY RELIABLE INFORMATION
Not all sources have the same level of rigor. To better understand the topic without falling into extremes, it is useful to follow some criteria:
- Look for information from scientific organizations or universities.
- Be skeptical of overly simplified messages (“this is false” or “it’s too late”).
- Check if the content cites peer-reviewed studies.
- Verify if there is consensus across multiple sources.
Scientific evidence is rarely expressed in absolute terms; it is usually presented in probabilities and trends. This does not indicate weakness, but methodological honesty.
It is also important to remember that science evolves. If new data are discovered, models are adjusted. This ability to correct itself is precisely what makes science reliable.
REAL CONSEQUENCES ON HEALTH AND DAILY LIFE
- Higher risk of heatstroke.
- Increase in allergies due to longer pollen seasons.
- Rise in insect-borne diseases in certain areas.
- Water stress and shortages in vulnerable regions.
- Impact on crops and food security.
Scientific evidence also shows that extreme events, such as heat waves or wildfires, have economic and social impacts: loss of homes, displacement, and increased inequality.
WHAT INDIVIDUALS CAN DO WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY
- Reduce food waste.
- Consume more consciously (buy less and better).
- Prioritize public transport or active mobility when possible.
- Reduce energy consumption at home.
- Choose durable and repairable products.
The important thing is to understand that the goal is not to be perfect, but consistent. Above all, acting based on scientific evidence helps avoid falling into extreme or paralyzing narratives.
KNOWLEDGE AS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD CHANGE
Raising awareness of climate change does not mean living in distress; it means understanding that the planet is an interconnected system. Science provides us with tools to understand it and act wisely.
Scientific evidence is clear: climate change exists, it has identifiable causes, and its impacts are already present. The sooner emissions are reduced and collective habits are changed, the greater the chances of avoiding more severe scenarios.
Being well-informed is an act of responsibility. It is also a way to protect our future and that of generations to come. Sustainability is not a trend: it is a necessity based on reality. And that reality is, once again, backed by scientific evidence.