I was especially interested in Administrator McCarthy’s analysis of the role of uncertainty in climate predictions, which I had not thought about before. For decades, climate change skeptics were overly focused on establishing a level of certainty in climate change predictions. But Administrator McCarthy interestingly points out that when doctors inform patients that they are likely to experience a serious medical condition in the near-future, patients aren’t likely to interrogate the doctor on the likelihood and certainty involved in that prediction. Climate change is an incredibly time sensitive crisis that must be remedied with urgency, and the continued focus on certainty wastes time we don’t have, just as interrogating the doctor would.
Administrator McCarthy discussed corporate inaction on climate change and stated that consumers haven’t used their power to push these companies to act. What power do we have as individuals, whether it be as consumers or voters, and how do we most effectively exercise that power?
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Reflection in Gina McCarthy Interview
Reflection in Gina McCarthy Interview
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I find it very interesting that we both focused on McCarthy's discussion of uncertainty in climate predictions. Given the lens of our class, this aspect of the conversation struck me in a way it would not have previously. It has become expected to discuss the level of uncertainty in climate predictions, but it seems as though people are overly concerned with it. Trying to measure and explain probabilities and uncertainties might actually dissuade people from appreciating the severity of these predictions (as they may just focus on the fact that it's merely a prediction). I especially appreciated your mention of the urgency of this issue, as well as your point that focusing on uncertainty can be a waste of time, especially in this time-sensitive crisis. I also love your question about how we as individuals can get involved. McCarthy spoke at length about the importance of informing and engaging the public, as well as empowering individuals to care and get involved, but it would be interesting to hear her explain more concretely what we can do (as both consumers and voters) to exercise our own powers for good.