The Rationality (Or Irrationality) Of Climate Change Denial

By Will McCorkle

It seems that it is becoming a prerequisite for any conservative politician to cast severe doubts or flatly deny any scientific claims about climate change. Is this because they have all done objective scientific research on the topic? It is amazing they all know more than 98% of climatologists. Of course, it is all political. However, when we look at it from a historical perspective - this is nothing new.

The conservative movement has usually stood against environmental protection - whether it was against Teddy Roosevelt reserving national parks for preservation, against the establishment of the EPA and other environmental organizations in the 1960's and 70's, or modern day movements against carbon reduction. It is often seen as more government. So, it is easier to deny the facts and the urgency of the situation than to change the political viewpoint on the role of government. However, this is extremely foolish.

It seems many people on the right love to eat up this Climate Change denialism. Unfortunately, it is because many are getting their scientific information from Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity rather than real scientists and climatologists. There is no real debate on this issue in the field of climatology. Just because Fox News can find a couple of obscure scientists to raise doubts about climate change, does not mean that the overwhelming evidence does not point towards human involvement in this environmental issue. It is a case of chosen ignorance.

We all do this to one extent or another in our lives; however, we must realize that for our elected politicians to live in this state of ignorance on an issue with such global importance as climate change is extremely troubling and something that should be firmly rejected by the American people. Let's starting listening to true wisdom and evidence on climate change from experts and scientists, not the foolish rhetoric of right wing leaders who have a huge political incentive to stay in the dark on the issue.

This article was written by William McCorkle. He writes a blog on progressive social action and the search to find the true essence of the Christian faith at http://www.essencerestored.com. If you are interested in contacting the author, you may contact him at wdmccorkle@gmail.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_McCorkle
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rationality-(Or-Irrationality)-Of-Climate-Change-Denial&id=4932016