A wise Nebraska farmer I know taught me this saying: “It’s what you know for certain that keeps you from learning.”This principle is at the core of why certain groups and entities are rejecting good science.
As a scientist, and particularly as a scientist involved in agricultural and environmental issues, I’m increasingly aware of this trend.In some cases this involves open hostility to science, in others it is just a matter of ignoring the scientific input. What is disturbing is how many different “voices” are in this unlikely “coalition” and the extent to which they are coloring the views of the broader society(as seen in the recent Pew survey of American attitudes about climate change).
At acknowledged risk of offending people, I will try to describe factions in the groups that tend to reject things that science would tell them.I know that what I am talking about does not apply to everyone, or even most people in these groups, but it is still a potent force in our society.
A few weeks ago Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) called for a new energy solution. A solution that came in the form of 100 new nuclear power plants. That vision has not left the republicans’ eyes. And on Tuesday, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) added his two cents.
U.S. stocks advanced today in the biggest presidential Election Day rally in 24 years. This has been led by energy and banking shares, on higher commodity prices and speculation the Treasury will bail out more financial companies. (Bloomberg)
Obama and McCain agree on the goals of energy and climate policy. Both candidates acknowledge global warming is man-made and advocate a mandatory cap-and-trade policy in the United States for dealing with carbon emissions — something the Bush administration opposes. They’re also largely in agreement over reducing oil consumption and investing in new energy technologies.
From our friends at ZapRoot this week: Arizona tests artificial CO2 filtering trees. Sarah Palin loves oil. We help you find ways to get rid of your junk mail.
If you live in Alaska for one year, you can expect a check. Thanks to Sarah Palin, this year’s check will be increased by $1200. Each resident receives $3,200; that’s $22,400 for Palin’s family of seven. How did she do it?
This week from our friends at ZapRoot: The most notorious bicycle thief is caught in Canada. Find out how Green is Joe Biden? Check out a new batch of Alternative Autos.
I find myself both amused and completely horror-struck by the evangelical cult that resides within the GOP. They’re consistently bested by their faith, and to the point of absurdity. This is especially true with regards to the climate crisis. And quite frankly, I blame Jesus.
Not only would a dual-party ticket be refreshing to some of us, but it could provide evidence to support Obama’s claim that he wants to work with Republicans rather than participate in a tit-for-tat Washington culture.
It looks like Hillary Clinton has another “3 a.m.” political ad out. This time it’s about the economy.
I’m not sure what it is about these ads that have captured the nation’s imagination; John McCain has his own version of it, and, of course, it inspired scores of parodies on YouTube and among late-night talk show comedians.
Still, I wonder if the candidates will get around to making one of these ads about the environment.
It’d be really easy to do, actually. All you need is a ringing phone…and no one to answer it.
That’s because the environment has somehow become a non-issue during this campaign season. All three candidates have fairly progressive views when it comes to addressing climate change, and they all tout the benefits of weening ourselves off foreign oil, so we’ve basically been told by the media that there’s nothing more to discuss on the topic.
The only problem is that voters WANT to discuss it.
It looks like Hillary Clinton has another “3 a.m.” political ad out. This time it’s about the economy.
