I’m a Climate Scientist—Here Are 26 Climate Myths I’m Tired of Hearing

Home Environmental I’m a Climate Scientist—Here Are 26 Climate Myths I’m Tired of Hearing

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By Chu E. - June 20, 2025

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, climate change misinformation continues to spread across conversations, media, and even policy debates. These persistent myths not only muddy public understanding but also delay urgent action we need to take for a safer future. As a climate scientist, I see firsthand how these misconceptions undermine trust in science and create unnecessary confusion. Debunking these myths isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s essential for informed decision-making, effective policies, and a collective response to our planet’s greatest challenge.

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1. ‘Climate Change Is Just a Natural Cycle’

I’m a Climate Scientist—Here Are 26 Climate Myths I’m Tired of Hearing — A series of colorful temperature graphs traces dramatic climate cycles throughout Earth’s history, revealing patterns of warming and cooling. | Photo by Abdul Kayum on Pexels

One of the most common myths I encounter is that today’s climate change is simply part of Earth’s natural cycles. While it’s true our planet has experienced fluctuations over millions of years, the current rate and scale of warming are unprecedented. According to NASA, recent temperature rises directly correlate with increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The rapid changes we see today simply can’t be explained by natural cycles alone.

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2. ‘It’s Been Colder Than Usual, So Global Warming Isn’t Real’

Many people conflate weather—the day-to-day conditions outside—with climate, which is the average of those conditions over decades.
Experiencing a cold winter or an unusually chilly day doesn’t disprove global warming. In fact, according to the NOAA, climate change can actually disrupt weather patterns, sometimes causing more extreme cold snaps. The key is to look at the long-term global trends, not just local or short-term fluctuations.

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3. ‘Scientists Can’t Agree on Climate Change’

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Over 97% of climate scientists agree that climate change is real and primarily caused by human activity.
Multiple studies—and comprehensive reports from the IPCC—have confirmed this near-unanimity. The so-called “debate” is more often fueled by misinformation than genuine scientific disagreement. The consensus is clear: our actions are driving rapid changes in the Earth’s climate.

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4. ‘The Climate Has Always Changed’

It’s true that Earth’s climate has shifted over millions of years, but today’s changes are fundamentally different. The rapid warming we’re witnessing now is far faster than any natural variations in the past.
According to the Royal Society, this acceleration is directly linked to human activities like burning fossil fuels. The speed and scale of current warming are simply unmatched in the geological record.

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5. ‘CO2 Is Just Plant Food—It Can’t Be Bad’

While it’s true that CO₂ is vital for plants, that doesn’t mean more is always better. Plants need carbon dioxide, but excessive CO₂ in the atmosphere traps heat, drives climate change, and disrupts entire ecosystems.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the current levels of CO₂ are far above what’s natural—putting stress on plants, animals, and people alike. Balance is key, and we’ve already tipped the scales.

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6. ‘Volcanoes Emit More CO2 Than Humans’

This claim is simply false. Human activities release vastly more CO₂ than volcanoes ever could.
According to the USGS, our annual CO₂ emissions are more than 100 times greater than the output from all volcanic eruptions combined. Volcanoes play a role in Earth’s carbon cycle, but they’re nowhere near the primary source of today’s excess CO₂.

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7. ‘There’s No Proof Humans Are Causing Climate Change’

The evidence connecting human activity to climate change is overwhelming. Burning fossil fuels and deforestation have dramatically increased greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere, directly driving global temperature rise.
The EPA and numerous scientific bodies have meticulously documented these links. From atmospheric chemistry to temperature records, the data consistently point to human actions as the main driver of recent warming.

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8. ‘Climate Models Can’t Be Trusted’

Climate models are sophisticated tools grounded in well-understood physics and tested against real-world data. Scientists rigorously validate these models by comparing their predictions to observed trends—and time and again, they’ve proven remarkably accurate.
According to the Met Office, climate models have successfully simulated both past and present climate patterns. They aren’t perfect, but they’re essential for understanding our changing world and planning for the future.

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9. ‘The Ozone Hole and Climate Change Are the Same Thing’

This is a common mix-up, but ozone depletion and climate change are distinct issues. Ozone loss is caused by chemicals like CFCs, while climate change stems from greenhouse gas emissions.
As outlined by NOAA, each has different causes and impacts—though both highlight humanity’s power to alter the atmosphere.

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10. ‘Renewable Energy Is Too Unreliable’

The notion that renewable energy can’t provide reliable power is increasingly outdated. Thanks to advances in battery storage, smart grids, and diversified energy sources, renewables now deliver consistent electricity in many regions.
The IEA reports that renewables are rapidly becoming the world’s leading power source. With ongoing innovation, clean energy is more dependable and scalable than ever before.

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11. ‘Electric Cars Are Worse for the Environment Than Gas Cars’

This myth ignores the big picture. While electric vehicles (EVs) do have manufacturing emissions, especially from batteries, their total emissions over their lifetime are much lower than gasoline cars.
According to the EPA, EVs become cleaner as they’re driven—especially as electricity grids shift to renewables. Over time, EVs offer a clear advantage for reducing carbon pollution compared to traditional vehicles.

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12. ‘Sea Level Rise Isn’t Happening’

This myth is easily disproven by hard data from satellites and tide gauges. Both methods consistently show that global sea levels are rising—and the pace is accelerating.
NOAA data reveal a steady increase over the past century, driven by melting glaciers and thermal expansion. The evidence is visible and measurable, impacting coastlines worldwide.

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13. ‘Polar Bears Are Doing Fine’

Contrary to this myth, polar bears are under serious threat due to rapidly shrinking sea ice. Their survival depends on stable ice for hunting and raising young.
According to the WWF, loss of sea ice habitat is causing declining populations in several regions. The changing Arctic environment is putting unprecedented stress on these iconic animals and their ecosystem.

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14. ‘We Can’t Afford to Fight Climate Change’

The idea that climate action is too expensive ignores the much higher costs of inaction. Extreme weather, sea level rise, and ecosystem damage threaten economies worldwide.
Studies from the World Bank show that the long-term economic impact of unchecked climate change greatly exceeds the investments needed for mitigation and adaptation. Acting now is not just environmentally responsible—it’s economically smart.

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15. ‘It’s Too Late to Do Anything’

This myth breeds dangerous inaction. It’s not too late to make a meaningful impact. Across the globe, countries and communities have already reduced emissions, expanded renewable energy, and restored ecosystems.
The United Nations highlights many success stories—proving that every degree of warming we prevent matters. There’s still time to shape a safer, more sustainable future.

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16. ‘China and India Are the Only Ones Who Need to Cut Emissions’

This argument overlooks both historical responsibility and per-capita emissions. While China and India are major emitters today, developed nations have contributed far more to cumulative greenhouse gases over time.
According to Our World in Data, wealthy countries still have some of the highest emissions per person. Climate change is a global problem, and real progress requires cooperation and action from every country—big and small.

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17. ‘Plants and Trees Will Absorb All Extra CO2’

While forests and plants do absorb carbon dioxide, they have limits. The natural carbon cycle is already under strain from record-high emissions.
As explained by NASA Earth Observatory, ecosystems can’t keep pace with the vast amounts of CO₂ humans release. Protecting and restoring forests is crucial, but we must also cut emissions at the source to prevent further climate disruption.

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18. ‘More Ice Is Forming in Antarctica, So Global Warming Is a Lie’

This myth confuses short-term or regional changes with global trends. There’s a crucial difference between sea ice and land ice. While some areas of Antarctic sea ice have fluctuated, the continent’s massive land ice sheets are losing mass at an alarming rate.
According to the NSIDC, overall Antarctic ice loss is contributing to sea level rise. Focusing on isolated ice increases ignores the bigger, more troubling picture.

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19. ‘Humans Are Too Small to Affect the Planet’

This myth underestimates the scale of our impact. Human activity has transformed the atmosphere, oceans, and land on a global scale—so much so that scientists now refer to our era as the Anthropocene.
As highlighted in Nature, we’ve altered ecosystems, changed the composition of the air we breathe, and reshaped entire landscapes. Our collective influence is undeniable and unprecedented in Earth’s history.

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20. ‘Climate Change Is a Hoax Created for Political Gain’

The science of climate change is grounded in decades of research and evidence from around the world—not politics.
As the National Academies point out, climate research is conducted by independent scientists across many nations and disciplines. The overwhelming consensus is based on facts, not political agendas, and is shared by experts regardless of their background or nationality.

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21. ‘Solar Activity Is Responsible for Global Warming’

While the sun’s energy does influence Earth’s climate, recent global warming doesn’t align with changes in solar activity.
According to NOAA Solar Science, solar cycles have shown no significant long-term increase over the past decades, yet global temperatures have soared. This disconnect clearly points to greenhouse gas emissions as the primary driver—not fluctuations in the sun’s output.

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22. ‘More CO2 Means Better Crops and Food Security’

While plants use CO₂ for growth, rising CO₂ and temperatures often harm crops rather than help them.
As explained by the FAO, climate change brings more droughts, heatwaves, pests, and nutrient loss—all of which threaten food security. The negative impacts of a warming world on agriculture outweigh any minor gains from increased CO₂ alone.

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23. ‘Extreme Weather Events Aren’t Linked to Climate Change’

Decades of research clearly show that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe.
The WMO reports a marked increase in heatwaves, intense storms, floods, and wildfires as global temperatures rise. These events are not isolated or random—they’re direct consequences of a warming planet, with impacts being felt in communities worldwide.

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24. ‘Carbon Offsets Are a License to Pollute’

Carbon offsets can help balance emissions, but they are not a substitute for cutting pollution at the source.
As outlined by Carbon Brief, offsets fund projects like reforestation or renewable energy, which remove or reduce greenhouse gases elsewhere. However, lasting climate progress depends on direct emissions cuts first—with offsets as a complementary, not primary, solution.

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25. ‘Population Growth Is the Main Driver of Emissions’

While population matters, wealth and consumption patterns are much stronger drivers of emissions. High-income countries with stable or declining populations still produce the largest share of greenhouse gases due to higher per-capita consumption.
According to Our World in Data, addressing overconsumption and energy use in wealthy nations is critical. It’s not just about how many people there are, but how we live and what we consume.

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26. ‘Individual Actions Don’t Matter’

It’s easy to feel powerless, but individual choices do add up, especially when they inspire others and influence policy. Small changes—like reducing waste, conserving energy, or voting for climate action—can spark broader shifts in communities and markets.
Yale Climate Connections emphasizes that both personal responsibility and systemic change are needed. When millions act together, the impact is profound—each decision helps shape a more sustainable world.

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Conclusion

Challenging climate myths is more important than ever. Misinformation slows progress, undermines trust, and distracts from real solutions. By relying on sound science and staying informed, we empower ourselves—and our communities—to make meaningful change.
The evidence is overwhelming: the climate crisis is real, urgent, and solvable. Let’s reject myths, support science-based policies, and take action—both individually and collectively—to protect our planet’s future.

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