It’s ironic that an article reporting on misleading environmental statements is committing the same crime. Repeatedly referring to “carbon emissions” as opposed to “carbon dioxide emissions” is a subtle but significant scientific inaccuracy.  As a graduate student studying climate change policy, nothing is more frustrating (and harmful) than lazy science communication.

Carbon is a solid. It makes up organic compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and it is present in all living things.

Carbon dioxide, however, is a colorless greenhouse gas. It is made up of one carbon molecule and two oxygen molecules.

Using ‘carbon’ in place of ‘carbon dioxide’ is akin to substituting ‘flour’ for ‘bread’—while flour is an ingredient in bread, it does not in fact represent the final product.

It is deceptive and misleading to refer to carbon dioxide as carbon, especially in the context of slowing global warming. If we want climate change communication to be effective, it is imperative to maintain scientific accuracy.  

Cate Twining-Ward

New York City