Should global warming be a policy priority?

"Global warming" refers to the theory that the observed rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system is a) happening, b) very dangerous for human and animal life, and c) caused by human activity.

One side says:
(Flip all cards) (Flip all cards)

  • The scientific consensus leaves no room for doubt.

    The national academies of science in every advanced country agree that humans are causing global warming.

  • There's at least a very high risk that we're causing a worldwide catastrophe.

    Would you let your family drink water from a well that 9 out of 10 tests said was poisoned?

  • The issue of global warming is like where smoking was 25 years ago.

    Just like the tobacco industry used to do, the fossil fuel industry pays "experts" to muddy the waters – so profits can roll in a little while longer.

  • Even the oil companies are saying global warming is caused by people.

    If the CEOs of Shell Oil and Exxon-Mobil agree with the science – not to mention the Pope and the President of the United States – where does that leave you?

  • The Bible tells us to be concerned about global warming.

    God appointed mankind to be steward of this world (Genesis 1:28). What more important stewardship responsibility is there than addressing global warming?

  • Climate change is happening now.

    Sea levels are rising across the globe. Some small islands in the Pacific Ocean are starting to disappear.

  • It's time to have Congressional hearings about the global warming "hoax."

    Is there a conspiracy by the world's scientists to destroy our economy? Or by industry to put civilization at risk for a few extra years of profit? Let's find out.

  • History will judge us for our inaction on global warming.

    Allowing hundreds of millions of people to die from extreme weather events caused by our carbon pollution will make us the greatest mass murderers in History.

  • William Shatner - Sierra Club Global Warming PSA, by NationalSierraClub
  • Tidal Flooding and Sea Level Rise: The Growing Impacts of Global Warming, by Union of Concerned Scientists
  • The Easiest Way to Slow Climate Change, by Earthjustice

The other side says:
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  • There will be technological fixes to the problem of global warming.

    Research is being conducted into solutions like carbon capture and geo-engineering, as well as alternative energy. We need to let innovation take its course.

  • Our Government doesn't seem too concerned about global warming.

    If the Cold War were back, or an asteroid were heading our way, our leaders would be making it a priority. If they're not concerned, why should I listen to the scientists?

  • Science changes its mind all the time.

    Is fat good or bad for you? What about carbs? Chances are that the alarm over global warming is another hysteria that will fade with time.

  • Earth temperature is cyclical.

    We've had periods of warming prior to industrialization, and even prior to humans, i.e., naturally. Later it will cool down again.

  • It's a conspiracy by proponents of World Government.

    Agreeing with the alarmists on global warming means giving more power – perhaps emergency powers – to our government, and even to international organizations like the UN.

  • Some scientists disagree with the consensus.

    Every scientific breakthrough is achieved by scientists who buck the conventional wisdom. The minority of scientists who disagree with the conventional theory of human-caused global warming may well be right.

  • Science doesn't really understand climate change very well.

    This means we shouldn't rush to conclusions and certainly not risk damaging our already fragile economy with overreactions to a problem that may turn out to be nothing.

  • The idea that humans have the power to change Earth's climate is absurd.

    The climate is too big, and too complex, and humans are far too small and insignificant.

  • Settling the Global Warming Debate in 90 Seconds, by HeartlandTube
  • Resisting the Green Dragon full promo, by Cornwall Alliance