[Coral-List] Public perceptions about climate change

Steve Mussman sealab at earthlink.net
Sun Nov 1 13:15:40 EST 2009


This thread, discussing public perceptions of AGW,
has unearthed a number of thoughtful perspectives.

Admittedly, one can be critical of what is seen as 
complacency from within the scientific community.
>From the outside there seems to be a call for more
direct confrontation.A plea not to let the pervasive
skeptical views go unchallenged. 
 
However, rather than assessing blame for the current
state of affairs reflected by the Pew survey, why not
focus on specifics as to what can be done to actively
and effectively counter the trend.

It is futile to hope to sway, even with scientific evidence,
the views of the purveyors of misinformation. Those minds
are closed shut as they live in a different reality.

Still, there remains the obvious need to develop a 
counter strategy to offset their undeniable ability 
to affect opinion within the public domain. 

The essential issue remains;
 
How do we best convey what we believe to be so vital, 
to (what appears to be) an ever doubtful civil community? 

Perhaps these excerpts from David Byrne’s “Bicycle Diaries”
apply: 
 
 “I am inclined to agree with Jared Diamond who claims
in his book “Collapse” that people develop cultural affinities,
.. . . habits of being that become so ingrained that they will
.. . . persist in maintaining their habits even to the point of 
driving themselves and sometimes the whole civilization
to extinction.. .  In the era of total reliance on fossil fuels
and global warming, Diamond’s history lessons have a 
scary resonance. . . .”  
In light of this “I continue to harbor
a sense that a deep down moral invisible hand-
the sometimes wacky but practical and good-hearted
American people-would have the sense to adjust course
and therefore continue to be an example for other nations.”

   



More information about the Coral-List mailing list