The Environmental Impetus
Although global climate change is recognized as a reality by most of the world's political and scientific leaders, many people in the United States are not well-educated on the issue. Because of the orientation on learning and research at institutions of higher education, members of these communities may be better informed than the general population; however, advocates for a student internship program (SIP) or green living program (GLP) may still encounter students, staff or faculty who are doubtful or not aware of the scientific basis for global climate change. Without this fundamental acceptance of the problem, they may not see the importance of your program idea. For this reason, it is important that you be able to lay out the climate change evidence, causes and consequences. The pages in this section include the following:
An overview of how human activities have driven up atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, resulting in higher average surface temperatures on Earth and changing climates around the world.
Arguments you can use when encountering people in your community who question the existence of global climate change or humankind's role in it.
A Word to the Wise
While the environmental context for taking action on climate change is compelling, you may find that arguing for a SIP or GLP on your campus is better served by focusing on the cost savings or one of the other benefits of the programs. Determining when, where and to what extent to stress the various arguments depends on your campus and the person or entity you are addressing.