Getting honest with ourselves

Nobody listens to real climate change experts

I generally share the sentiments of this column. I believe that a modest warming is occurring. I am skeptical of catastrophic scenarios. And I am quite confident, at this point, because of the tenor of the debate, that climate change has been so politicized that it has rendered more reasonable policy debates and policy-making nearly impossible.

One of the comments on this column illustrates, tongue-in-cheek, the problem of the modern politics, left and right.

"This is nothing more than vile propaganda.

I really believe climate change denial should be an imprisonable offense. Hundreds of millions of people will die if something isn't done...

I know this because my children are brainwashed/taught these very things in school. If they argue against the 'facts', they'll come home with low grades. And schools (and indeed universities) are hardly the places to make poltical points now, are they?"

Threats and intimidation clearly undermine more open, honest debate.

The problem is that everyone loves them to get what they want.

It needs to end.

If we are ever going to be honest with ourselves, that is.