Global Warming Skepticism

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is a common way media reports can contribute to public distrust of well-established science?

By presenting only the consensus view

By citing only peer-reviewed papers on the subject

By presenting reliable science alongside a dissenting quote from a non-expert (correct)

By presenting conflicting views from experts in the field

What should you try to determine when analyzing a media report on global warming?

The publication date of the article

The credibility of the dissenting scientist (correct)

The journalist's opinion on the matter

The credibility of the journalist writing the article

What is a limitation of environmental science, as well as science in general?

Its lack of relevance to everyday life

Its reliance on empirical evidence

Its limitations and potential biases (correct)

Its ability to provide definitive answers

Why might media reports present a quote from a scientist who disagrees with the consensus view?

To provide a balanced view Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of media reports presenting conflicting views on global warming?

Public distrust of well-established reliable science Signup and view all the answers

What should you evaluate when assessing a dissenting scientist's credibility?

Their expertise in the field and publication record Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the experimental forested area in the study?

To observe the effect of deforestation on water and nutrient cycles Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the amount of water flowing out of the deforested valley?

It increased by 30–40% Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the rapid water flow over the ground in the deforested site?

It caused soil erosion and carried away dissolved nutrients Signup and view all the answers

How did the loss of key nutrients in the experimental forest compare to the control forest?

It was six to eight times higher Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of plants in the forest ecosystem, according to the study?

To absorb and retain water and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Why was the herbicide used in the experimental site?

To prevent the regrowth of vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern about Easter Island's history used in textbooks?

How humans can seriously degrade their own life-support system Signup and view all the answers

About how many years ago did Polynesians colonize Easter Island?

2,900 years ago Signup and view all the answers

What was the likely outcome for the islanders after they used up the large trees?

They could no longer build their traditional sea-going canoes Signup and view all the answers

What was the likely consequence of the forest's disappearance on the island's ecosystem?

Springs and streams dried up, causing erosion Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated peak population of Easter Island?

15,000 people Signup and view all the answers

What was the likely impact of the island's ecosystem degradation on food availability?

Crop yields plummeted, leading to famine Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of achieving a scientific idea, according to Albert Einstein?

Imagination and creativity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a tentative explanation that requires further evaluation?

Scientific hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a scientific theory?

It is widely accepted by most scientists Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a scientific law?

The law of gravity Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Oh, that's just a theory' imply?

The theory is not supported by evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

A scientific law is more specific Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental principle of the law of conservation of matter?

No atoms are created or destroyed during physical or chemical changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of consuming matter, according to the law of conservation of matter?

Matter is converted from one form to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the first law of thermodynamics?

Energy is converted from one form to another without being created or destroyed Signup and view all the answers