The Facts
Regions across the globe are experiencing record heat waves as the American South and Southwest grapple with “record-breaking heat,” per the US National Weather Service. Simultaneously, China’s western Xinjiang region is logging the country’s highest temperature on record.
On Sunday, Furnace Creek, Calif., in the US Southwest’s Death Valley, recorded temperatures of 128°F (53.3°C). Last month, Houston, Texas reported its first heat-related death as a 67-year-old passed away.
The Spin
Narrative A
It is quite clear that human-created climate change is responsible for the record-setting temperatures we are seeing around the world, and we must listen to climate science. The climate debate isn’t about politics — it's about saving the future of our planet from the disastrous consequences we are facing, including this searing heat.
Narrative B
While climate change is an urgent issue, journalists and activists have an obligation to separate the facts from fiction and describe environmental problems honestly and accurately. The catastrophic framing of climate change does far more harm than good, not only by impacting the mental health of our youth but by alienating and polarizing large portions of the population and distracting from other important issues. Climate alarmism must be taken with a grain of salt — especially in an El Niño year.
