As the front four rows in the Wright Center were blocked off, atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe got ready to share her work with the community of Samford. Having received death threats throughout her career, Hayhoe is no stranger to the possibility of a disapproving crowd.
Hayhoe spoke at Samford’s annual J. Rodrick Davis Lecture on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
“When people ask me if I believe in Climate change, I say ‘no.’ It isn’t something I believe in, it is a fact,” said Hayhoe.
Her perspective is that climate change is a human issue. She believes that although climate change affects everyone in some way, it’s affecting poor people the most.
Hayhoe knows how controversial her beliefs on climate change may be for some people, so she went through various forms of evidence supporting her beliefs on man-made climate change. Hayhow cited a rise in natural disasters as an outcome of climate change.
“A hurricane doesn’t ask if you voted red or blue in the last election before it rips through your home and floods your basement,” said Hayhoe
Hayhoe grew up close to her father, who was a scientist and a missionary. She, like her father, combines science and God in her studies.
She attributes the responsibility of saving the climate to humans; from her perspective, that is what God would want.
“It isn’t about saving the planet; the planet will be fine without us. It’s about saving us living things, which God said in Genesis that He gave us domain over,” Hayhoe said.
Despite discussing a topic that is considered controversial, Hayhoe was received well.
Student Ava Martin attended the lecture and enjoyed hearing Hayhoe’s discussion of climate change.
“I thought it was really inspiring, I really liked seeing the different maps and the statistical analysis,” said Martin.
Hayhoe received a standing ovation, which was led by Samford President Beck Taylor.
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