The Rationality (Or Irrationality) Of Climate Change Denial

It seems that is becoming a prerequisite for anythis Climate Change denialism. Unfortunately, it is
conservative politician to cast severe doubts or flatlybecause many are getting their scientific information
deny any scientific claims about climate change. Is thisfrom Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity
because they have all done objective scientificrather than real scientists and climatologists. There is
research on the topic? It is amazing they all knowno real debate on this issue in the field of climatology.
more than 98% of climatologists. Of course, it is allJust because Fox News can find a couple of obscure
political. However, when we look at it from ascientists to raise doubts about climate change, does
historical perspective-this is nothing new.not mean that the overwhelming evidence does not
The conservative movement has usually stoodpoint towards human involvement in this
against environmental protection- whether it wasenvironmental issue. It is a case of chosen ignorance.
against Teddy Roosevelt reserving national parks forWe all do this to one extent or another in our lives;
preservation, against the establishment of the EPAhowever, we must realize that for our elected
and other environmental organizations in the 1960'spoliticians to live in this state of ignorance on an issue
and 70's, or modern day movements against carbonwith such global importance as climate change is
reduction. It is often seen as more government. So,extremely troubling and something that should be
it is easier to deny the facts and the urgency of thefirmly rejected by the American people. Let's starting
situation than to change the political viewpoint on thelistening to true wisdom and evidence on climate
role of government. However, this is extremelychange from experts and scientists, not the foolish
foolish.rhetoric of right wing leaders who have a huge
It seems many people on the right love to eat uppolitical incentive to stay in the dark on the issue.