Climate Quote by Hans von Storch
“There is no last word in research, and that includes climate research. It's never the truth that scientists offer, but only our best possible approximation of reality. But that often gets forgotten in the way the public perceives and describes our work.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Climate Science Conference, 2018
Research, including climate science, offers best approximations, not absolute truths, and public perception often forgets this nuance.
In simple terms: Science gives the best guess, not final truth.
Key Takeaway
Communicate uncertainty clearly.
Themes
science
uncertainty
public perception
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
academic
informative
When to use this quote
- policy advising
- media interviews
- educational outreach
Key Concepts
Epistemology
climate modeling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientists convey confidence without overstating?
- What role should uncertainty play in policy?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on uncertainty can fuel denial.
