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Why We Disagree about Climate Change: A Different Viewpoint

Author

Listed:
  • Gerald Stanhill

    (Department of Environmental Physics and Irrigation, Institute of Soils, Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 5, Bet Dagan 50250. Israel)

Abstract

This viewpoint challenges the explanation that societies increasing confrontation with climate change results from its observable realities, specifically those derived from current understanding of its causes and consequences and ability to reliably forecast future changes. It demonstrates that the reality of climate change is not related to personal experience but rather that society's apprehension stems from media attention which is based on advances in scientific understanding as assessed by the IPCC. However this current consensus view fails to meet the requirements of an exact science and is unable to reliably forecast decadal trends. It is speculated that the motives for the promotion of apprehension follows Plato's strategy of the Noble Lie, serving to promote the adoption of an alternative energy policy. The dangers to science of this approach are outlined and a simple way to restore climate science to a more rational and skeptical basis is suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerald Stanhill, 2012. "Why We Disagree about Climate Change: A Different Viewpoint," Energy & Environment, , vol. 23(8), pages 1303-1309, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:23:y:2012:i:8:p:1303-1309
    DOI: 10.1260/0958-305X.23.8.1303
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hulme,Mike, 2009. "Why We Disagree about Climate Change," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521727327.
    2. Hulme,Mike, 2009. "Why We Disagree about Climate Change," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521898690.
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