Does environmentalists' use of hyperbole (e.g., "save the planet") make you more or less likely to ignore them

Question

It's very difficult for me to take seriously anyone who claims he or she is "trying to save the planet." This is the language of comic books and the mindset of the children who read them.

Answer 1

When talking to the general public, terms like save the planet or save the environment are much faster to say and more widely understood.

Most people don't understand longer explanations like 'reducing my contribution of climate altering gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane.'

It's a convenience thing, and it doesn't bother many people besides yourself.

Answer 2

My observation of many in the environmental movement is that they often exaggerate "doom and gloom" scenarios as much as possible -- aided by stooges in the main stream press -- as a way of taking the strongest negotiating position possible in order to get most of what they want.  At one time I thought this was pretty savvy and sharp on their part, but it has in recent years reached a "boy who cried wolf" mentality.  Take global warming for instance.  I don't doubt that there are some real issues that need to be address -- air pollution is not good under any circumstances, but I also think a lot of outright lies are being told in order to advance an agenda at any costs.  Many in the scientific community say cycles of warming up and cooling down are part of the long-term history of the planet.  All points of view and evidence should be considered in a rational manner.  Instead. those in disagreement with the "popular" view are labeled nuts or ignored.

So yeah, I'm also skeptical.  I agree that we need to take better care of our home -- Earth that is -- but the hyperbole and outright hysteria has started to wear a little thin.

Answer 3

Do you wash your car?  why?  It's only going to get dirty again.