Where do you stand on climate action? Surveys show that attitudes toward climate vary between being alarmed, alert, concerned, cautious, disengaged, doubtful or dismissive. More than half of the public including lawmakers have doubts about climate science and the role of people in climate matters. Yet climate and weather extremes are happening.

Insured losses from natural disasters hit $120 billion in 2022. Before 2005 industry losses never topped $50 billion a year. Around Idaho and the country water users like agriculture, hydro power, industry and communities seek legal and technical protection as droughts threaten. Since the IRA was passed in August 2022, companies have collectively announced $76 billion in investments for facilities based in the US that support both new and existing technologies—from solar panels and heat pumps to batteries for electric vehicles—in an effort to slash costs for clean technologies and cut greenhouse gas emissions. On September 17 over 50,000 people marched in New York City seeking an end to fossil fuels. Sea level rise is attributed to two factors: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers, and the expansion of seawater as it warms. The extent of area burned by wildfires each year appears to have increased since the 1980s.

In 2005 Jared Diamond wrote about slow-moving problems in his book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. Diamond identified five factors contributing to societal collapse: environmental damage, climate change, hostile neighbors, friendly trade and society's response to its environmental problems. The first four factors do not always prove to be detrimental, but the fifth factor seems to determine the course of the society. The response to environmental problems lies completely within the control of a society, which is not necessarily true of the first four factors. It is here that his subtitle comes into play: a society can choose to fail. The idea of choice, therefore, is the real point of his book. Fate is not predetermined, and societies are not destined to fail, but at the same time, they have to choose to succeed.

Some consider climate scientists to be modern-day prophets. Climate prophecies, as warnings, have increased over the past 70 years but are largely ignored. Climate change denial, like smoking risk denial, protects big business status-quo. Denial is well organized and effective. Some analysts say that climate deniers earn more than $900 million annually. You may recall the Idaho anti-wind energy campaign named ‘swindle.’

Evidence shows four main reasons why people who were climate change doubters or deniers have changed their minds. Most dominant is considering scientific evidence. Also important are global stewardship concerns, awareness of strange weather, and decreasing credibility of industry-based denial.

Adult learning is a first reason to change minds. Learning about climate change is complicated. Currently, broadcast and local news coverage of climate change is in decline. Social media linking of climate reports tends toward low scientific credibility and climate denial opinion. Social science studies suggest family member beliefs block the impact of science on climate doubt. Grandpa says climate information is a liberal lie started by Al Gore. Uncle Ben says he can’t afford to change out diesel tractors and trucks. My Pastor told us the bible says dominate the earth and God will provide.

The second main reason for climate change is around planetary and local stewardship. illustrations like water aquifers, coral reefs and glaciers remind about sustainability and trigger thinking beyond one’s self toward greater common good.

The third dominant reason for climate mind change is awareness of unusual and damaging weather. Think about Idaho’s fires over the past few years, stronger hurricanes and tornadoes, large floods. Climate disasters and trends now require business and homeland security attention.

Fourth and finally the voices of climate deniers are being challenged as not credible. Industries are on both sides of the climate doubt divide. The insurance industry has been somewhat silent but now is becoming more active as payouts increase. Five states are suing Exxon and other companies for withholding climate information.

Are Jared Diamond and climate prophets right? Consider your knowledge and opinion on climate matters. Should you take some action or simply wait?