Final answer:
The debate over global warming and climate change is grounded in a strong scientific consensus, with skeptics being far outnumbered in the literature. Historical climate variation does not invalidate concerns about the current, human-accelerated rate of change. Skepticism about climate change is often connected to interests that benefit from maintaining the status quo.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jane's teacher challenged the idea that global warming is a hoax, prompting Jane to not return to class. The subject of the question is the debate around climate change. Negating the reality of climate change doesn't align with the overwhelming scientific consensus. For instance, out of nearly 14,000 peer-reviewed articles on the topic, only 24 reject the notion of global warming, highlighting the broad agreement in the scientific community about this issue.
Those skeptical of climate change may cite Earth's long history of climatic shifts as 'evidence' against current concern. Yet, what differentiates historical climate changes from contemporary ones is the pace at which they're occurring. Since the Industrial Revolution, changes in climate have been rapid and unprecedented, directly affecting humans and the ecosystems we depend on. Moreover, climate scientists have confirmed that these changes are exacerbated by human activity, notably the increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Understanding the science behind climate change and discerning the motivations behind those denying it can be crucial. Often, skeptics may be affiliated with organizations intent on maintaining current economic structures that benefit from ignoring climate issues. Hence, when approaching climate change data, it is essential to consider the full context and the potential biases of the sources.