Science in Our Lives

OUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

Orlando Science Center is dedicated to helping break down fears surrounding intimidating topics in order to encourage more curiosity, innovation, and discussion. We want to strengthen people’s skills in the scientific method so they can apply critical thinking skills to make informed decisions regarding newsworthy science topics.

The need to promote the importance of these skills inspired OSC to launch Science Matters, a public information campaign that increases confidence in science literacy. Sharing trusted resources online and providing on-site activities are some of our ways of helping people understand the impact of science on today’s major issues.

So, what is a major issue we face every day that might seem intimidating? Climate change. Building critical thinking skills and science literacy will help us better understand complex connections and interactions between us, our planet and our ecosystems.

Take hurricanes, for example. Are they caused by climate change? No, but they are affected by it. For instance, Hurricane Ian was one of the most devastating and destructive storms Florida has ever endured. One of the top five strongest storms ever to make landfall here, Ian was the deadliest hurricane to strike us in nearly 100 years. But when we compare data from Ian to data from other major storms throughout history, a pattern becomes clear.

“You need to look at trends,” states Kim Prather, Distinguished Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry at University of California, San Diego. “And there is definitely an increase in the number of major weather-related disasters occurring over recent decades.”

Experts agree that while climate change cannot be credited with causing a storm, the historical changes in surface temperatures, sea level, and rainfall clearly indicate that climate change contributes directly to the strength and size of a storm.

Andrew Dessler is the director of Texas Center for Climate Studies and professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M. While discussing Hurricane Ian, Dessler said, “We are 100% sure that the storm surge was more damaging because it was riding on a higher sea level. We are very confident that global warming is also causing more rainfall from hurricanes because warmer air holds more water.”

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation. In its most recent Synthesized Report (2014), the IPCC stated clearly, “Warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” Humans can no longer afford to continue debating the existence of climate change. So, what can we do? We can always reduce, reuse, and recycle – those wellknown staples of sustainability. But there are other ways to help, if you’re able!

Save energy at home by switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances. Turn the lights off when not in use and wash your clothes in cold water. Walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving if that’s an option for you! Carpooling is another great option, reducing traffic - and consequently, time spent idling.

Eat more fruits and vegetables and limit your meat and dairy consumption. Plantbased products generally emit fewer greenhouse gases in production, and they need less energy, land, and water. Eat your leftovers! Throwing away food also wastes the resources and energy that went into growing, producing, packaging, and transporting it. Plus, when food rots in the landfill, it releases methane – a powerful greenhouse gas. Use what you can and compost the rest!

To support better public understanding, we are launching a new Science Matters campaign to address climate change, conservation, and sustainability. We’re in this together! We’ll be here every step of the way to answer questions and provide resources so that we can make a difference - together. 3