Chapter 1: The Sarcastic Truth of Ignorance

In a Facebook post dated September 22, 2013, I expressed a touch of sarcasm regarding health and lifestyle choices. I quipped, “I remain skeptical that a diet abundant in fried foods, sugary treats, and soda, paired with a lack of physical activity, would lead to weight gain and health complications. Until industry professionals prove otherwise — not just academics — there’s no reason for concern. Any changes in my body could simply be natural variations or developments that would occur regardless. Moreover, aspects of my appearance, like my hair, might even improve. So, even if my body undergoes changes, some elements could benefit. After all, these academics are merely sounding alarms for their own gain. Why should we hinder the progress of industries and our bodies when the facts remain uncertain?”

The underlying message is clear: We often find ourselves in a state of denial. We recognize that science begins with a hypothesis and evolves as more evidence accumulates, yet we misinterpret this process as a lack of knowledge, using it to dismiss increasingly compelling conclusions.

Denial about climate change has persisted for generations. The debate over humanity's impact on global warming is contentious — except among those who dedicate their studies to climate science. Even major corporations, such as automotive manufacturers, are adopting greener practices while political leaders dismiss scientific insights. The launch of an electric pickup truck by Ford signifies a pivotal shift in these times.

Similarly, our society has grappled with denial surrounding COVID-19. Donald Trump, who restructured the nation's pandemic preparedness team — a euphemistic way of saying he disbanded it — propagated misinformation on everything from miraculous remedies to the severity of the virus. The CDC's recommendations were issued despite scientists' concerns. In some regions, health officials risk their careers for simply communicating factual information about managing COVID. For instance, in Virginia, a Republican governor — not even a Trump supporter — clashed with local health officials regarding mask mandates in schools.

During Trump's administration, a rollback of numerous environmental regulations occurred, despite ample evidence supporting the effectiveness of such measures. Take, for instance, the ozone layer and the Mississippi River. (If you're interested, I can retrieve a paper from my graduate studies regarding the restoration of another river. No? Alright then.)

The consequences of these actions are significant: We are endangering our pollinators, essential for food production. Fortunately, we’ve discovered that, with concerted efforts, we can revive bee populations.

However, what can be anticipated from individuals who perceive the unfamiliar as the work of malevolent sorcery? This brings me to my subsequent Facebook post four days later: “Heading to do some yoga before it’s outlawed in Virginia as witchcraft.”

I’m uncertain if I was entirely joking.

For additional insights, feel free to explore more resources.

Originally published at http://mostlymodernmedia.com on October 16, 2020.

The first video titled Environmental Science 1 (Introduction) provides foundational insights into the complexities of environmental science, highlighting the significance of understanding our ecological impact.

The second video titled Environmental Science delves deeper into the critical issues surrounding our environment, urging viewers to recognize the urgency of climate action.

Chapter 2: The Ongoing Battle Against Misinformation

In this chapter, we will explore the pervasive misinformation that clouds public perception and the urgent need for informed action on climate and health issues.