When discussing a controversial topic with one’s peers, it is very easy to accept the general consensus of the group. Whether subconsciously or otherwise, it is hard to be the minority in a friend group for fear of being ostracized or ridiculed. Of course, this makes it all the more difficult to disseminate information pertaining to climate change solutions and individual mitigation efforts. If someone is either unaware of a problem, or refuses to address it, they will not seek out the concrete facts and evidence supporting the existence of the problem in the first place. The most important step in addressing the looming consequences of human caused climate change is presenting empirical data and concrete examples to reinforce the potential future ahead of us.
When discussing a controversial topic with one’s peers, it is very easy to accept the general consensus of the group. Whether subconsciously or otherwise, it is hard to be the minority in a friend group for fear of being ostracized or ridiculed. Of course, this makes it all the more difficult to disseminate information pertaining to climate change solutions and individual mitigation efforts. If someone is either unaware of a problem, or refuses to address it, they will not seek out the concrete facts and evidence supporting the existence of the problem in the first place. The most important step in addressing the looming consequences of human caused climate change is presenting empirical data and concrete examples to reinforce the potential future ahead of us.
I would have to agree with you, especially with being (or holding) a minority opinions and maintaining some sort of composure. However, if we as social beings take these opinions and modify them to establish or even construct our own understanding of a subject, is far more beneficial to ourselves and everyone around us to remain the minority.
However, in some cases having a constant resistance to an idea maybe good as a check and balances system. Someone constantly questioning the findings help keep research in check and in good quality, much like the anti-vaxxing movement, if one slip up occurs, its more ammunition for those who are against it. Now this may keep us from publishing findings to prevent social backlash that may deter funding and hinder research, however, the pros of showing a technological advancement and achievements of a field outweighs more than we can really conceptualize, atlesat as of now.