As Inow has noted, American conservative Republicans are more likely to doubt
evolutionary theory,
that the Earth is warming, and that humans have contributed to the warming of the Earth than other political affiliations.
The influence of religious fundamentalism on the
ideology of the Republican party is glaring.
Noting that
religiosity is negatively correlated with acceptance of evolution, I wonder whether or not a similar correlation exists between religiosity and acceptance of the reality revealed by climate science.
Another interesting parallel between evolution-denialism and climate-denialism is that creationists often quote non-evolutionary scientists who have a superficial understanding of evolutionary biology as experts, or reliable, credible interpreters of evolutionary science(examples would be the biochemist or physician fellows at the
DI).
Climate-denialists often quote non-climate scientists who possess a potentially-seductive superficial understanding of climate science as though these were legitimate or credible sources of information(examples would be two of the most popular climate-denialist blogs, which are run by an
ex-weatherman and a
mineral scientist).
A difference between evolution-denialism and climate-change-denialism is that creationism seems to be more obviously religiously motivated(although I have met an agnostic/atheist who did not accept evolution. As far as I could tell, it was from a misunderstanding of the scientific method/peer review, and a general unhealthy skepticism and rebellious streak).
Climate-change-denialism is not necessarily inspired by religious belief, but I suspect that religion does play a large role in fostering anti-scientific sentiments in this case as well.
If you believe the universe was designed by a benevolent deity(as the most popular brand of religion in America claims) with specific attention paid to our planet-- a planet created for human
exploitation-- this may be difficult to reconcile with the reality of an atmosphere that is increasingly hostile to life due to our own rapacious consumption.
As an interesting aside, the Discovery Institute is now
apparently engaged in climate-change-denialism. Combine this with the fact that
the founder, and more than
one of the fellows are involved in AIDS denialism, and you have a holy trinity of un-reason.
I could swear I stumbled upon an article somewhere linking the DI to anti-vaccination nonsense as well, but I am either mis-remembering, or am unable to find it....
