How to Debate Global Warming

The global warming debate increasingly dominates our national agenda, and even as more or more people realize the threat of global warming, skeptics step up their efforts to make their point of view heard. Like any other issue, debating global warming means educating yourself about the facts and presenting them in a clear and concise manner.

Instructions

1. Research the phenomenon. Hunt down statistics that will help support your argument and be sure to cite sources. Misinformation and dubious claims cloud a great deal of this debate. Find out who specifically supports your view, what credentials they have, and what kinds of evidence they bring to the table.

2. Address the implications of global warming, not just the raw data. Even the skeptics are reluctant to dispute the facts. Rather, they question the conclusions drawn from those facts. Be prepared to speak to those conclusions and refute the "it's not so bad" argument with real and concrete proof.

3. Organize your argument into clear, easily defined statements. Write them down on note cards if you need to. Have back-up information ready to support your statements if necessary (including the source of your data), but keep it in reserve if it clutters your main points.

4. Study your opponents' arguments and prepare data to refute them. Skeptics usually base their position on three general premises: climate change is a natural part of the Earth's environmental cycle; the evidence doesn't point to any concrete conclusions; and the economic cost of addressing global warming is more than we can bear. Have a reasoned, supportive and substantive response to all three of these.

5. Address solutions and not just problems. While evidence of global warming alone makes a powerful argument, it is strengthened by showing a viable path to addressing the problem, and steps which can be taken to curtail the impact of climate change. Ending with this focus on change is a good way to conclude your debate.

6. Speak calmly and audibly, address all listeners equally and do not allow yourself to grow agitated or flustered. Respect your opponent's beliefs and give her the benefit of a hearing even as you work to refute her. Place your energy in your arguments and responses, and don't rise to obvious attempts at flustering you or baiting you.

Tips & Warnings

• Any debate should be civil and follow proper rules of decorum. These days, "debate" often means incoherent shouts and bullying demagoguery, which serves no purpose and usually makes the problem worse. Maintain civility when you debate, allow your opponent to speak unmolested and ask for the same treatment in kind.