The debate surrounding the controversial topic of global warming is still ongoing; while some are convinced of its existence, some are not. As such, the question of how many scientists believe in global warming remains difficult to definitively answer. Research suggests that a large majority of scientists actively studying climate change agree that humans have contributed to rising global temperatures and that environmental measures must be taken before long-term consequences become irreversible.
An overwhelming 97% of climate scientists agree that humans are largely responsible for global warming. This statistic is showcased in a study from 2004 that surveyed 406 peer reviewed articles published within the preceding three years. The study asked for scientists’ opinion on human-caused global warming, with the majority responding that humans had indeed played a role in the phenomenon. Similarly, a powerful 2019 survey indicated that nearly 70% of scientists believe that human activities are the primary cause of current global warming. It was found that a total of more than 10,000 researchers from in over 180 countries around the world agreed on this notion.
It is worth noting, however, that while a large majority of scientists agree that global warming is most likely caused by humans, some remain unconvinced. As of 2021, approximately 2–3% of the scientific community is of the opinion that global warming is largely not affected by human activities. A handful of research has indicated that the rising temperature of Earth is within natural variation and is mostly natural in origin. For example a study in 2015 by two researchers found that the human contribution to warming was at least 3.2°F less than the maximum potential warming from human sources. In addition to this, some scientists have issued concerns regarding the validity of the data being used by the ones in favor of global warming, with the most notable being possible miscalculations or omissions of cooling factors.
Insofar as we can observe, it is clear that scientists are largely in agreement on the issue of global warming. It is thus of utmost importance to acknowledge their warnings and take action in order to protect our planet and future generations. As concerned citizens, we should support initiatives and policies that mitigate the effects of global warming, while remaining steadfast in our efforts to promote awareness and educate others about the current climate crisis.
