Striking British coal miners started the Global Warming Hoax? The U.S. wants to keep electricity out of Africa? Out of work “peaceniks” started the Environmental movement after the Berlin Wall fell?
Some people actually believe it. Some people actually believe that all men are not created equal, that the world is flat, the we never landed on the moon, that the holocaust never happened, and that 9/11 was carried out by our own government.
However, we have never given lip service to any of the second group of people. We don’t feel we need to, as the world consensus is that they are wrong. To debate the issue with them would be almost akin to giving them credit, or actually siding with them.
In the past, we have given plenty of “air time” to Global Warming skeptics and deniers. (And I’m glad that we did) However, I’ve come to the realization that if we are to move forward as a people and a planet who demand clean air, water and soil, then we must move forward as if these people have no place, no grounds, no voice, for their arguments. (At least not on Twilight Earth)
Our motivation for taking this stand was a recent anonymous comment we received. Actually, it was not a comment at all, but a link to a video, espousing sheer denial in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence in reference to man made climate change.
Our original intention was to post this video, along with a point by point breakdown of their “argument” and both common sense and scientific data to point out their errors in thinking and understanding.
After working on the article for about 3 hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I became frustrated with the fact that these groups of people were demanding so much time and attention from not only me, but our readers. I was giving them what they wanted, which was a voice.
Don’t get me wrong, I think that debate is a great thing. I think that everyone should have the ability to express their point of view. (As long as it is civil and does not debase the person to whom they are debating) However, skeptics and deniers tend to express their point of view quite often in the comments section of this website, and I am more than happy to debate with them there. But we don’t feel the need to lend them credence in the name of fair play or full disclosure.
However, having said all this, Twilight Earth is not about us, it’s about you. What do you think of the approach that we are taking? If you think that we are right, let us know. If you think that we are incorrect, let us know that too. We are open to debate, and have been known to have our minds changed.
photo credit: JoshuaDavisPhotography.COM
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
The “debate” has been over for a long time. Not that there should have been a debate at all in the first place. Peer review yes; public policy debate about what we might do about climate change yes; debate about the science put before mankind, no so much. Often it comes down to quibbling about minutia like the exact nature of a speculative impact (i.e., how bad it might be) and this is a pointless exercise in futility. It wastes time, resources and ultimately has the potential to exacerbate any impact potential.
If the possible agent of change on the magnitude imagined was perhaps something else like comet impact would we waste finite time debating the existence of the comet? Telescope sales might experience a temporary spike, but I imagine that much of the discussion would focus on what we might *do* about it. Anyone caught dilly-dallying would either be squarely and rightly ignored or tied to the nose cone of whatever rocket we ended up shooting at the cosmic menace.
Maybe that’s a possible solution too? Don’t “believe” in climate change, welcome to a coastal city. You’ve just earned beach front property in a hurricane zone.
I’m not saying global warming isn’t real, I am a strong believer in it. but the whole moon landing thing? there is something called the van allen radiation belt that sterilizes ( kills) any life that passes through it. in the 70’s we did not have the technology to pass through it without harm. even now i believe we do not. nasa says they are resuming moon missions after 2015. why then and not now? why do we even need to go back? because we never stepped foot there in the first place. Also about 9/11 how is it so hard to believe that our government pulled it off to get the patriot act in place and to get over to the middle east. Hitler in Germany before he seized power faked a terrorist attack to trick the people into giving him limitless power. people are stupid and believe everything the news tells them. Can you explain trade center 7 falling 12 minutes after cnn said it did? IT WAS STANDING IN THE BACKGROUND WHEN THEY SAID IT FELL! Bush admitted to lieing about the info about wmds so why not this? many people died for no reason that day and we will never forget or forgive, but it is not the middle east we should be pointing at, we should point directly into the mirror.
for sources on all 9/11 info watch “loose change – final cut” on youtube
yeah I’m pretty much with Frank…putting global warming in the same basket as 9/11 and comparing that to “the world is flat” is pretty fallacious in thought…one is conspiracy theory, the other is fact. And “all men are created equal”? – Come-on man, for they should be in the eyes of the law, but they obviously aren’t, just pick up a newspaper. Bad bad argument!
I saw a bumper sticker today that said “I heart global warming”… really?!? I think most people are reasonable and certainly would like to leave this planet in good shape for our children and our children’s children, but the global warming debate has became such a political issue it seems it can’t be debated reasonably.
Humans have caused global warming in several ways. We emit pollutants from our factories, automobiles, release chemicals into the soil, fell trees etc. But there are several things we can do to help against global warming. Small things like using recycled products, having filtered water instead of bottled water, saving energy can go a long way to preserve the planet. Conservation of water and energy is something we can all practice, both in and outside our home, especially as water is getting scarce. For more tips on how to save water, visit http://tr.im/uo12
Good for you Adam, I like the way you are taking control and not letting them have time on your blog.
I would like to see a debate between non believers in global warming and the people who are believers in it. Not the kind where amatures spar with some random non-verifyable facts, but the one where scientists duke it out with relevant reports handy to show the data and discuss it. Probably should be moderated so that each side gets thrown some arguments to counter, or a more probable outcome; that the non-believer gets thrown most arguments to counter.
I say they have enough other venues for air time. Most of the time, I start out by believing reasonable people can have reasonable discussions about a given situation and possible resolution paths. Time and time again though, I am stunned when I hear people state that they believe things like the moon landing was not real or the holocaust didn’t really happen or what an excellent, intelligent last day as Governor speech Sarah Palin gave. Isn’t she a smarty. I can’t figure out how anyone would possibly think Palin was a good option for VP of this country, or even more stunning, that they consider her a good candidate for President in 2012. I just don’t get it, and it puts into question motivation. Since I can’t find any logical reason to want someone as inconsistent or unseasoned (regardless if you agree with her politics) as Palin being in a leadership role of this great nation, it puts into doubt the intelligence of that desire. If people can still believe in Palin, after all that has happened, you are not going to change their mind. Many of these same people also think global warming is not related to humankind’s impact. So, I say let them find their own venues.
Chad M. Wall
Excellent points Chad. You will always have your fringe groups, and more and more, skeptics are becoming a fringe group. Which is just fine with us.
I think climate change is a better term to use because it more accurately captures the various effects that will be felt in different locations across the world and avoids the ignorant statement I’ve heard from some nay-sayers that “a little global warming would be a good thing”.
Real Girl,
I’ve heard them say the same thing. The thing is, most of the people who say that a little Global Warming would be a good thing, don’t live in the Maldives, Africa, the coast of Louisiana or Africa.
Adam – I believe in global warming but our views could not be more different. I’ve been reading your articles for some time and recently you have had a number of articles on the topic of global warming. I am definitely NOT a doom and gloomer – as is yourself and the many proponents of global warming. As a teacher – I believe in real science and the largest test subject possible…say one that goes back 500,000 years. I recommend reading an article at http://www.icecap.com by David Dilley, a meteorologist : http://icecap.us/index.php/go/joes-blog/climate_similar_to_the_1800s_within_the_next_15_years_first_stage_of_global/. Dilley uses nearly half a million years worth of data liking long term gravitational cycles of the moon to explain global warming, rising carbon dioxide levels, and over 2200 global warming cycles over the past 500,000 years. He believes – as do I – that global warming and global cooling cycles begin and end right on time. If believed, Dilley and his facts have just turned over the apple cart on doom and gloom leftests who want – so much – to believe that mankind is at fault for global warming – and not natural causes. Global warming advocates like yourself would have nobody and nothing to blame for global warming and the never ending propaganda blaming the human race over the last 25 years would have been for naught.
Christopher,
First, thank you for stopping by to read the occasional article, and second, I respect your opinion and thank you for your comments.
While we may differ on our opinions, thoughts and responsibilities, I’m sure that we both agree that our planet is something that should be treasured and taken care of. As you know, Global Warming is not the only thing that we talk about. (Though it is the most controversial) We also speak on dire need for clean air, water and earth along with how to be responsible stewards.
Thanks again for your readership and comment,
Adam