April Fool's
You just fell for an April Fool’s Day joke from the Union of Concerned Scientists! We hope you got a good chuckle out of it. You can see all three of our jokes below.
But while these jokes may be funny, some people are trying to fool the public about climate change science every day of the year.
UCS is pushing back by going on the offensive against those who attack climate science and scientists. Through advertising campaigns, directly challenging climate deniers, rebutting false claims made in the media and in congress, taking to the nation’s airwaves and newspapers, and speaking out against attacks on individual scientists—UCS is leading the charge to expose corporations, politicians, and media pundits who knowingly mislead the public about climate science.
In the future, we’re hoping to call on you to help identify and fight the tricks that are used to confuse the public. So if you haven’t already, join the UCS action network or scientist network to keep informed about disinformation on climate change—so you don’t get fooled again.
The Jokes:
Climate change pushes Groundhog Day to January
The town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has announced that it is pushing Groundhog Day forward eight days to January 25, in recognition of the impact climate change has had in western Pennsylvania. The change is based on analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), whose scientists have determined that spring has come an average of eight days earlier to the region since 1997.
And while the consequences for climate change in Pennsylvania are very real…we might just be pulling your leg.
"Jersey Shore" cast warns of NJ sea level rise
Several members of the cast of MTV’s hit reality show “Jersey Shore” joined forces today with the Union of Concerned Scientists to warn of the threat of sea level rise to New Jersey. “I can’t lie down on the beach with a margarita in my hand if the beach is all gone,” said popular Jersey Shore character Snooki. “Why is the government going around taxing tanning booths but doing nothing about global warming?”
If climate change were to continue unabated, sea level rise in the state is predicted to increase coastal flooding, shoreline change, property damage. Learn more about the consequences of climate change for New Jersey. (pdf)
And while the consequences of climate change are real for New Jersey, today we might just be pulling your leg.
Giving away "Snuggies" to reduce carbon footprints
The Union of Concerned Scientists has teamed up with Connecticut-based Snuggie®, which produces the popular fleece blanket with roomy sleeves, to promote energy conservation in the United States. While supplies last, UCS will send a Snuggie® to U.S. residents who pledge to keep their thermostats below 60 degrees throughout next winter.
Remember when you complained as a kid that the house was too cold and mom told you to “stop whining and put on a sweater”?
Well…you’re just going to have to continue putting on that sweater. Because today we are simply pulling your leg.
