Science Forums 2

[REASON]

There is a concerted effort by right wing conservatives, many of whom are deeply religious, to perpetuate the notion that global warming is nothing but hype. I hear this constantly on conservative talk radio, one of the primary means by which disinformation is disseminated nationally by talk show hosts that are not experts in climatology, nor even readily familiar with the work of scientists.

It's been a mystery to me as to why it is so important for them to continually cast doubt on the science, which is all they actually do in regards to this issue. They don't provide any alternate theories for the rapid increase in the mean global temperature over the last several decades. They talk about how cold it's been in places this winter and then scoff at the notion of global warming, which only demonstrates their ignorance. They claim that the real motivation of science is nothing but protectionism of government grants. They don't provide any alternate explanation for the rapid disappearance of glacial and polar ice. They don't reference qualified experts in the field of study. They don't attempt to refute the actual data that has been compiled by climatology consortiums such as the IPCC. They do link it to the liberal wacko Al Gore, in an effort to generate a negative emotional appeal to those they seek to influence.

What is this all about for them? What is actually at stake if they were to acknowledge the validity of the science? What drives their resistance?

I believe these questions are very legitimate to this thread because they go directly to why people in the United States have shaky or no beliefs in the reality of human generated climate change. And I specifically say United States because I believe that polling indicates we rank near, if not at the top with the percentage of people who reject global warming science among the major civilized nations in the world.

Could it be that these people don't want to have to take any responsibility? Is it just too difficult to have to change our way of life? Are they protecting the interests of the fossil fuel industry that may stand to lose profits if we switch to non-poluting energy, maybe because they have investments at stake? Maybe it's just because it has been spun as a liberal effort, and they have been convinced that everything liberal is evil. Maybe they believe that god has given us this Earth to use up as we please, and he won't let anything bad happen to it that will harm his beloved children.

I don't know for sure. There is never a reason given other than to just say global warming science is exaggerated. Why? Do any of the potential explanations above provide adequate justification to continue to do nothing?

I just don't get it. Any ideas? Maybe moyself would be willing to shed some light since he has obviously bought into the notion that it is all hype.