Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. While everyday behaviors of the average North American remain relatively unchanged as a result of climate change, fear is building, as is the pressure being put onto individuals, businesses, and governments to find solutions. The scientific consensus on the reality of human-induced climate change is overwhelming, and the consequences of inaction are dire for ensuring the survival and wellbeing of future generations. However, despite the overwhelming evidence and the urgent need for action, many of the world’s largest carbon emitters have failed to take sufficient action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This failure to act is often referred to as an ‘intent gap’.

The intent gap, in this instance, is the difference between the actions that are necessary to address climate change and the actions that are currently being taken. This gap is a major obstacle to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre- industrial levels. In order to successfully navigate a path towards renewable energy and CO2 reduction, the intent gap must be considered when pushing new policy and technology. But is the intent gap justified? Climate change is a never-ending conversation, but how does it affect, and what does it mean to the individual? Is environmentalism worth investing in as a consumer? What does climate science mean for those who are not scientifically literate, and how does misunderstanding contribute to misinformation? These are some of the questions this presentation will tackle. This paper and presentation aim to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the most efficient and effective ways to address climate change.