The Conversation

How to Shut Down a Climate-Change Skeptic




The Argument: Climate change is natural.

Anna Jane's Comeback: "One of my dad's theories is that the planet goes through natural warming and cooling cycles. But what's unnatural is the amount of carbon we're pouring into the atmosphere and the rate at which we're doing it. The fact is, 97 percent of climate scientists agree that climate change is happening and that humans are causing it. If you had cancer, and 19 out of 20 doctors told you to seek treatment immediately, would you believe the one who said 'it's just a natural cycle'?"

The Argument: There's not enough evidence.

Anna Jane's Comeback: "My dad thinks we should wait for even more evidence before taking action. There is so much misinformation out there funded by people with industry interests, and it's been tragically successful—science is one of those areas where any element of doubt, no matter how small, will stall individuals from taking action. But when nearly every major scientific organization in the world agrees about the risks of climate change, it's time to move forward. I don't have a Ph.D. in climate science, but I have enough sense to pay attention to the people who do! We are the last generation to get a say on our planet's future, and we don't have the luxury of dragging our feet."

__The Argument: But this winter was freezing! __

Anna Jane's Comeback: "While parts of the U.S. spent the winter bundled up thanks to the polar vortex, Australia was on fire, and California was in one of the worst droughts we've ever seen. Climate change doesn't just bring higher temperatures, it accelerates and worsens extreme weather patterns, threatening our way of life and costing us billions of dollars in disaster relief. We filmed part of my Years segment on the Gulf Coast, where I grew up, and being back there—watching the sunset, smelling the salt air—it really reinforced why I do this work. It's about protecting the places and communities that we love. How can you argue with that?"

The Argument: It's a liberal agenda.

Anna Jane's Comeback: "Because it was Al Gore who put climate change on the national stage [with his film An Inconvenient Truth], conservative evangelicals like my dad (and many other high-profile Republicans, like Rush Limbaugh and Donald Trump) see it as a liberal, politicized issue. Climate science is confusing, complex, and scary, and sometimes the easiest thing to do is to write it off as a left-wing conspiracy. But it's not a political issue; it's a scientific issue—and more than that, it's a moral issue. Trust me, you don't want to be on the wrong side of history on this one."

Want to help, but don't know where to start? You don't have to be a full-time activist to fight climate change. There are lifestyle choices you can make, like biking or taking public transportation to work, eating local foods, or practicing Meatless Mondays. You can also get involved with your local Beyond Coal Campaign, whether it's by donating money, reposting petitions on social media, or volunteering your time. Go to to find out more.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the trailer for Years of Living Dangerously below. The series features Jessica Alba, Olivia Munn, Matt Damon, Harrison Ford, and others. Not a Showtime subscriber? You can still watch the first episode online at

Photos: Courtesy of Years of Living Dangerously/Showtime; YouTube (video)
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