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Sean Davis' Talk on Global Warming is Quite Hopeful
Kalina N — January 29, 2019 — Keynote Trends
References: esrl.noaa.gov & ted
Sean Davis is a climate scientist who delivers an informative and motivational TED talk on global warming through storytelling.
The speaker begins with the late 1920s when CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) were created. The man-made chemical was used for refrigerators, as well as aerosol spray cans. However, it wasn't until later that scientists realized the dire environmental impact of CFCs -- the Antarctic Ozone Hole was discovered in 1985 and half a decade later it became public knowledge that more than a third of the ozone layer was missing.
To get his point across, Sean Davis reminds the audience of the importance of the ozone layer which blocks 90% of harmful UV radiation from the sun. Hence, "a threat to the ozone layer is a threat to human safety."
The talk on global warming goes on to highlight a "rare environmental success story" that the climate scientist uses as a case study to push positive action forward. The Montreal Protocol from President Reagan plays a big part in avoiding the environmental catastrophe that CFC might have caused. Not only has the protocol contributed to the healing of the ozone layer, but it has also "delayed global warming by more than a decade."
Sean Davis believes that by referencing this case, we can "find guidance for the choices we make today." The talk on global warming goes on to stipulate some good practices when taking action to contradict rapid climate change and contribute to the health of our planet. For one, "we don't need absolute certainty to act" and in fact, using uncertainties to counter environmentally conscious action is just a distraction. Secondly, we need all hands on deck from all levels of the individual and international spectrum. Thirdly, we "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good" and finally, people should be encouraged to contemplate the catastrophes they have avoided by passing eco-beneficial legislation.
The speaker begins with the late 1920s when CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) were created. The man-made chemical was used for refrigerators, as well as aerosol spray cans. However, it wasn't until later that scientists realized the dire environmental impact of CFCs -- the Antarctic Ozone Hole was discovered in 1985 and half a decade later it became public knowledge that more than a third of the ozone layer was missing.
To get his point across, Sean Davis reminds the audience of the importance of the ozone layer which blocks 90% of harmful UV radiation from the sun. Hence, "a threat to the ozone layer is a threat to human safety."
The talk on global warming goes on to highlight a "rare environmental success story" that the climate scientist uses as a case study to push positive action forward. The Montreal Protocol from President Reagan plays a big part in avoiding the environmental catastrophe that CFC might have caused. Not only has the protocol contributed to the healing of the ozone layer, but it has also "delayed global warming by more than a decade."
Sean Davis believes that by referencing this case, we can "find guidance for the choices we make today." The talk on global warming goes on to stipulate some good practices when taking action to contradict rapid climate change and contribute to the health of our planet. For one, "we don't need absolute certainty to act" and in fact, using uncertainties to counter environmentally conscious action is just a distraction. Secondly, we need all hands on deck from all levels of the individual and international spectrum. Thirdly, we "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good" and finally, people should be encouraged to contemplate the catastrophes they have avoided by passing eco-beneficial legislation.
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