We in the news business often enlist in moral crusades. Global warming is among the latest. Unfortunately, self-righteous indignation can undermine good journalism. A recent Newsweek cover story on global warming is a sobering reminder. It's an object lesson of how viewing the world as "good guys vs. bad guys" can lead to a vast oversimplification of a messy story. Global warming has clearly occurred; the hard question is what to do about it.
If you missed Newsweek's story, here's the gist. A "well-coordinated, well-funded campaign by contrarian scientists, free-market think tanks and industry has created a paralyzing fog of doubt around climate change." This "denial machine" has obstructed action against global warming and is still "running at full throttle." The story's thrust: Discredit the "denial machine," and the country can start the serious business of fighting global warming. The story was a wonderful read, marred only by its being fundamentally misleading. Read More.
2 comments:
Asking the question: Is global warming a problem or a political ballyhoo? does not and will not get to the gist of the real problem(s). An honest answer to the question above is yes and yes.
Burning carbon based fuels using current technologies does contribute to global warming. Engineers and scientist can solve the technological issues. Sadly, the politicians seem incapable of solving even the smallest of political problems facing the US.
Part of the problem is the rise of the asian tigers. They are not willing as yet to do anything that would undermine there economic expansion. The cost of clean fuel is not part of the equation for them.
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