SCIENTIFIC DENIAL MUST BE DEBUNKED

For each of the arguments posited by denialists, create a convincing response with which you
should be able to successfully debunk the denialists’ arguments.

1. CLIMATE CHANGE DENIAL

1. Global warming has happened before. It is a natural occurrence.

2. Just 410 ppm (0.04%) of the atmospheric gases are carbon dioxide so this cannot affect
climate.

2. ANTI-VAXXERS

1. Science suggests there is a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
2. Vaccines contain toxic substances such as aluminium and mercury.

3. FLAT-EARTHERS

1. Gravity doesn’t exist. We remain fixed to the ground because the Earth is accelerating.
2. Air travel should have different durations if the Earth rotates.

4. OPPONENTS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS

1. Monocultures replace biodiversity

2. Through ‘gene escape’ or cross-breeding modified genes can be transferred to other
species.

5. ANTI-DARWINISM

1. Darwinism rejects the biblical explanation of life on Earth.

2. Evolution by natural selection has never been observed and the evidence is based on
little historical evidence, much of which is fraud and hoax.

6. THE SIX CREWED LANDINGS (1969–1972) WERE FAKED AND THAT TWELVE
APOLLO ASTRONAUTS DID NOT ACTUALLY WALK ON THE MOON

1. The astronauts could not have survived the trip because of exposure to radiation from
the Van Allen radiation belt and galactic ambient radiation.
2. Footprints in the moon dust are unexpectedly well preserved, despite the lack of
moisture.
7. SMOKING TOBACCO DOES NOT LEAD TO HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS

1. Cigarette smoking has not been scientifically established as a cause of lung cancer. The
cause or causes of lung cancer are unknown.
2. Nicotine is not addictive.

8. REJECTION OF LINK BETWEEN HIV AND AIDS

1. AIDS is caused by the use of drugs, malnutrition and poor sexual behaviour.
2. HIV does not fulfil Koch’s postulates.

9. COVID C-19 MYTHS

1. Exposure to or use of 5G networks causes infection with the COVID-19 virus.

2. Supplements like vitamin C, zinc, green tea or echinacea boost your immune system
and prevent you from becoming infected by the C-19 virus.

FRAMEWORK FOR CONSTRUCTING YOUR

ARGUMENTS
 Focus on the TOPIC of the denialist’s statement – try to rebut or debunk false
content
 Focus on the TECHNIQUE of the denial – try to address any illogical argument
 Ensure that your responses grab attention. Your responses should be:
 simple
 unexpected
 credible
 concrete
 emotional
 stories