Climate change - truth, controversy and evidence

Virtually all of the world's scientists agree that humans are causing climate change, yet numerous persuasive counter-arguments circulate in the media and on the web. How can an ordinary person, without scientific training, make sense of all these claims and counter-claims? This talk and discussion will cover:

• The simple basics of climate change science
• The difference between healthy scepticism and closed-minded denial
• Which parts of the science we are sure about, and where doubts remain
• Separating science from politics
• How to refute arguments while keeping an open mind
• The motives underlying denial

Because of the wealth of misinformation that exists on this topic, teaching it at any level requires critical thinking, from both students and teacher! This talk will present some reliable ways to distinguish fact from fiction, and spin from substance, when looking at claims relating to climate change, and indeed other topics. My goal is to pass these on to teachers so that they in turn can pass them on to their students.

Dr Richard Milne

Dr Richard Milne is a lecturer at the Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. His research interests in plant evolution have taken him to the Colombian rainforest and have given him an insight into the impact of climate change on nature and species. In both 2009 and 2010, he won awards for his teaching voted for by students at the University of Edinburgh. In addition, he is one of four nominees for the nationwide Bioscience Teacher of the Year award.