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It seems clear that in today’s society, the trend of simplifying reality has taken hold. This is no longer limited to sensational headlines; it can also be observed in TV debates, the press, and social media. And it does not appear to be accidental.

One of the techniques used—with considerable success, judging by election results in some countries—is the so-called fallacy of the false dilemma. This involves portraying reality as if it boils down to just two options, which are often irreconcilable.

For whatever reason, this simplistic, barroom-style logic is spreading to many areas. Either you accept mass tourism or you are anti-tourism. Either you agree to clearing all vegetation from streams, or you are in favor of flooding. Either you support environmental destruction or you are against progress.

Slogans that seemed outdated and relics of the past are resurfacing, clinging to a supposed common sense that, when examined with even minimal depth, often crumbles.

January is one of the coldest months of the year in our hemisphere. During these chilly days, characterized by low temperatures and strong winds, we tend to move closer to sources of warmth to combat the cold. The closer, the better.

Those who remember lessons on planetary movements might recall that Earth rotates on its axis and also revolves around the Sun. In its orbit, Earth follows an elliptical path, meaning there are times when we are closer to the Sun and others when we are farther away.

Yet paradoxically, we experience the coldest weather when we are closest to the Sun (in January), while in July, when we are about 5 million kilometers farther from it, we endure the hottest weather. This is because the seasons are not determined by our distance from the Sun but by the tilt of Earth’s axis, which is inclined about 23 degrees.

Applying a simplistic logic based solely on distance, without considering the tilt of Earth’s axis, is likely to lead to erroneous conclusions because not all critical factors are being accounted for.

Advocating for a reduction in excessive summer tourism can enhance the well-being of residents, preserve the island’s environmental values, and even benefit the tourism industry itself. It is well recognized that tourism is one of the few industries capable of consuming itself.

Preserving riparian vegetation along streams helps slow water flow, reducing its destructive potential. It also conserves biodiversity and protects the fertile soil along the banks. In places that prioritize results over beliefs, efforts are being made to replant vegetation along rivers and streams.

Claiming that progress must come at the expense of environmental destruction is a path to disaster. Nanoplastics have already been found in breast milk, and herbicides are contaminating public water supplies.

False dilemmas are a plague of our time, much like certain oxymorons such as “sustainable growth,” often uttered by some leaders. Recognizing the complexity of reality is essential for making balanced and thoughtful decisions.