When They Blow Hot Air, Keep Talking Hot Water

According to a fresh poll on global warming, majorities of Virginians from all walks of life believe that global warming is real and is a problem. An interesting note here during political season is that the smallest majority of believers is Republicans (57%), and the largest majority of believers (88%) is Democrats.

Source: REPORT OF THE VIRGINIA CLIMATE CHANGE SURVEY, University of Virginia, 2008

My key takeaway from this study is this: The number of people who believe in global warming is quite a bit larger than the people who are serious about doing something about it.

But you’d never guess that reviewing the communications materials produced by the mainstream environmental movement Click here for one example. Most nature protection and pollution control groups continue to devote a lot of effort into educating or convincing citizens that global warming is real — something most of them already believe.

These groups are putting relatively less effort — and far less scientific rigor — into helping citizens overcome the self-doubt that holds them back from doing anything about it.

Bottom line here — when those naysayers throw up those outrageous claims, don’t take the bait. Stick to your story about global warming and use the water words that work to help believers overcome their doubt in themselves.

Thanks to K. at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for slinging this study my way!

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