I note that Michael Ivey has contributed one of his periodic diatribes against climate science, using his patented technique of forceful denunciation as a substitute for facts and reasoned argument: “CO2 is not a pollutant,” “…CO2 attributable to human activities is … small compared to natural sources,” and so forth [“Climate-Change Believers Betray Their Naïvete,” July 8, Xpress]. Most of his statements are demonstrably false and easily researched, even by civilians not particularly trained in science.
I am not a climate scientist, but I do hold a doctorate in physics and can happily supply references that teach the basics of chemistry, radiation physics, spectroscopic behavior of gases and climate feedbacks that cause excess CO2 to have such a destabilizing effect on surface temperature. Also, I can provide reference material on the primary sources of excess greenhouse gases. (Hint: Volcanic activity pales in comparison to human activities.)
But I’m not naive enough to believe that Mr. Ivey will welcome any opportunity to learn the science, because his agenda may not be served by doing that. To better understand the sources of climate-science denial, it is probably more useful to consult references such as the Routledge International Handbook of Ignorance Studies, where the uses of ignorance for political and social purposes are explored. For many industries, promotion of public ignorance is far preferable to public scientific literacy when profits are on the line.
— Glen Reese
Asheville
Public ignorance is how politicians manipulate us into voting against our better interests.
Thank you Glen Reese for writing this! If you want to get involved with climate change solutions please reach out to us at the Citizens Climate Lobby. We have an Asheville Chapter now that you can follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ashevilleccl and signup for email updates. We would love to have your help!