To bring divided Americans together on climate, the US should turn to Scotland

Presently, a majority of American’s have made the leap on climate change. A 2020 Pew Research Center poll found two thirds believed governments should do more to address climate change. Climate change ranks as one of the nation’s leading worries, especially for younger voters.

Voters want the government to act. This is why President Biden’s $2 trillion green infrastructure proposal was relatively uncontroversial. A U.S. president is finally responding to voter alarm with action. And none too soon. But even still, America appears split with a large minority, fueled by misinformation, resisting action. In such a divided country, which appears to lack common language on climate change, what can be done to bridge the divide? 

I believe we need to create new stories and narratives on climate change. For with common stories can come understanding, consensus and action. Indeed, our dim remembrance of past global warming comes down to us in the story of Noah’s Ark. Scholars believe this relates to a prior instance of regional global warming.