2 weeks Ago By Peter W. Johnson, Superior
I’m greatly concerned about letters published by way too many newspapers granting climate deniers equal validity when it comes to opposing or accepting the problems of man-made anthropogenic global warming, or AGW. Although a majority may sometimes know the truth about certain issues, global warming and its causes are not often understood by either deniers or contrarians, who refuse to acknowledge it and want to provide other explanations. Contrarians might seem legitimate because they know some real facts.
However, when it comes to pros and cons, the public cannot discern the truth about things it has never been taught. ADVERTISEMENT The letters of deniers and those who accept climate science do not begin on equal footing because the public never learned enough to gain a fair vantage point. Still, many newspapers apparently feel honorbound to publish the letters of deniers.
Before the 1990s, letters about man-made global warming were rebutted with supposed “common sense,” using comments like, “They say the world is warming, but I saw snow on my front lawn this May,” or, “Scientists can’t predict local weather, so how can they predict the entire world’s?” However, when such questions are answered, scientists make a great deal of sense, and the claims of deniers and contrarians never provide the full truth. Journalists could level the playing field by simply posting arguments from both sides next to a simple disclaimer saying, “This newspaper neither endorses nor denies the views of either letter.” That much would at least let readers know that deniers may be wrong.
However, our press seems to prefer the idea that when opposite views are debated, the truth prevails. Think about it, though: Sometimes a majority only proves that more people believe one side, regardless if that side knows the truth. Browse SkepticalScience.
com. You’ll see arguments explained. Peter W.
Johnson Superior ADVERTISEMENT Email submissions to: [email protected] Include a full name, address and daytime phone number. Only names and hometowns will be published.
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