Climate change denialists and skeptics often argue that the concept of climate change is a fabrication driven by political motivations. However, this argument was debunked by Rosh D’Arcy, a doctoral student with degrees in earth and climate science, who shared his insights on TikTok. In a video response to conservative political commentator Candace Owens denying the existence of climate change, D’Arcy explained that while the climate does naturally fluctuate, it doesn’t mean that all changes are solely due to natural causes.
To illustrate his point, D’Arcy compared climate change to forest fires, explaining that both can occur naturally or be influenced by human activities. He emphasized that there is ample evidence to support the existence of a clear man-made footprint on current warming. D’Arcy referred to a graph from a 2021 study, which showed a significant rise in the average global temperature from about 18,000 years ago to about 6,000 years ago, marking the end of the last Ice Age. He also highlighted the current rise in global temperature from 1850 to 2019, as well as possible future scenarios based on planet-warming gas pollution.
D’Arcy pointed out that the deglaciation of the Ice Age took around 12,000 years to complete, while the warming trend we’re currently experiencing has occurred in a much shorter timeframe. This suggests that the former happened naturally, while the latter has been fueled by human-caused pollution and waste.
In response to critics who argued that warmer temperatures have been a welcome addition, D’Arcy highlighted the extreme heatwaves faced by regions like the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. He emphasized that personal experiences of weather in specific locations are not reliable indicators of global temperature trends.
Overall, D’Arcy’s video received positive feedback from viewers, with many appreciating his clear explanation of the topic. The video serves as a reminder that climate change is a complex issue, influenced by both natural and human factors.
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