Dangerous Thinking

Inertia in the Face of Accelerating Climate Change

Although a normal and essential part of science, debate is perceived by the public as evidence that IPCC could be wrong. So let's wait until all scientists agree before we alter our behavior. This rationalization arises from a poor understanding of how science functions. Further, it gives the naysayers the same weight as the vast majority of knowledgeable climate scientists -- a very egalitarian approach, but a dangerous one nonetheless. Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala
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Posted by: Posted by Kaizar Campwala - Nov 10, 2009 - 8:19 AM PST
Content Type: Article
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Fabrice Florin - Nov 10, 2009 - 11:31 AM PST
Kenneth L Salzman, PhD
4.0
by Kenneth L Salzman, PhD - Nov. 10, 2009

This article makes its point well, though it does not really speak to how the Dangerous Thinking is to be altered. Probably the most valuable argument presented is that scientists have not yet managed to make their case to the public, and he touches on what they do wrong as well as noting that they are faced with a very communicative opposition. Direct references to things psychological, however, are fairly common knowledge. That said, the case regarding responding to climate change and the dilemma getting it across to the public is made well. What there is to do about that, however, is not much presented.

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Fabrice Florin
3.6
by Fabrice Florin - Nov. 10, 2009

Interesting report about why most people don't take climate change seriously. The author offers a few reasonable explanations in this short article.

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Patricia L'Herrou
3.5
by Patricia L'Herrou - Nov. 10, 2009

the article points out reasonable causes for why the desire to make energy changes based on awareness of climate change has been slow to reach consensus . bringing up the poor understanding of how science functions and the impact of that seems crucial to the discussion. it has internal cohesion to make its points

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Fred Gatlin
3.7
by Fred Gatlin - Nov. 10, 2009

This article tries to tell us why people do not believe the climate is changing. It is hard to understand why the public is skeptical on this issue. Any close observer can see changes in the climate if they choose. It is those who refuse to look closely and do not wish to understand science who still does not think the climate has changed.

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Wayne Peters
3.7
by Wayne Peters - Nov. 16, 2009

This is a great article as it raises awareness of our footprint on this Earth and our collective attitude toward a general denial or refusal to take responsibility for our impact. I think that many of us beleive in the 'not in our lifetime' perspective.The problem is, the denial is so thick that many do not realize that this prespective is misconstrued. The impacts of global warming are within many of our lifetimes. The challange will be the ongoing debate of what is the cause, and ... More »

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