Saturday, March 17, 2007

Dangerous Hype

Even scientists are now seeing that the hype in the media and by some over zealous scientists, are not helping their cause. Via the BBC

They say some researchers make claims about possible future impacts that cannot be justified by the science.

The pair believe this damages the credibility of all climate scientists.

Both men hold the mainstream view on climate change - that human activity is the cause.

But they think catastrophism and the "Hollywoodisation" of weather and climate only work to create confusion in the public mind.

They argue for a more sober and reasoned explanation of the uncertainties about possible future changes in the Earth's climate.

I for one think it is about time that reputable scientists and researchers come forward and hold the MSM and others more accountable for their claims. Putting the "fear" into the public is not the way to convince them of anything. That only works on the weak minded and uninformed.

2 comments:

Chimera said...

Part of the problem is that the current populations of any countries who are in a position to do anything about climate change have been "trained" to pay attention only to sound bites. If it's a long message, it's boring, and therefore not worth taking the time to listen. Increasingly, I find this to be the case, even with people of my own advanced generation.

We live in a world created by advertising. We live to the rhythm of the fifteen- and thirty-second "spot." And we live in an atmosphere of emotive messaging. If something doesn't grab us by the adrenaline within the first three seconds, we pay no attention. Therefore, if we really need to get a message across, we automatically tend to appeal to the most primal emotional response of all -- fear.

What we need is someone who can do a comprehensive show-and-tell, or who can explain all the details in layman's language -- and still make it fascinating and riveting. I'd nominate Michiu Kaku for the job, but he's currently busy teaching the world about string theory and other advanced forms of mathematics.

Tim said...

"I'd nominate Michiu Kaku for the job, but he's currently busy teaching the world about string theory and other advanced forms of mathematics."

Like that is important! As Jimmy Buffet stated so well... Math Sucks!

I am afraid however that your theory about the 15 - 30 second sound bites is correct. Which I find quite funny considering we are supposedly living in the "INFORMATION AGE".