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Climate Change Scepticism: Reconsidering How to Respond to Core Criticisms of Climate Science and Policy

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  • Willem Van Rensburg
  • Brian W. Head

Abstract

The contextual drivers of climate change scepticism are well described and explained in the literature. A key assumption underlying most of the scholarly constructions of the sceptical phenomenon is that the key objections raised by sceptics to climate science and climate policy proposals represent some form of submerged deception or self-delusion on their part. This article refocuses attention on sceptics’ central criticisms, and argues that direct responses to these criticisms should not be neglected in favor of a primary focus on sceptics’ possible inner motivations. The article investigates the core objections raised by sceptics, with particular attention to the views of one prominent Australian sceptic, Andrew Bolt. We argue that some of these objections should be treated as legitimate forms of dissent, and that ongoing constructive responses to such criticisms are necessary to counter the impact of climate change scepticism.

Suggested Citation

  • Willem Van Rensburg & Brian W. Head, 2017. "Climate Change Scepticism: Reconsidering How to Respond to Core Criticisms of Climate Science and Policy," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(4), pages 21582440177, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:7:y:2017:i:4:p:2158244017748983
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244017748983
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anthony A. Leiserowitz, 2005. "American Risk Perceptions: Is Climate Change Dangerous?," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(6), pages 1433-1442, December.
    2. Roger E. Kasperson & Ortwin Renn & Paul Slovic & Halina S. Brown & Jacque Emel & Robert Goble & Jeanne X. Kasperson & Samuel Ratick, 1988. "The Social Amplification of Risk: A Conceptual Framework," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 8(2), pages 177-187, June.
    3. repec:cup:judgdm:v:8:y:2013:i:4:p:407-424 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Peter Jacques, 2006. "The Rearguard of Modernity: Environmental Skepticism as a Struggle of Citizenship," Global Environmental Politics, MIT Press, vol. 6(1), pages 76-101, February.
    5. Christopher P. Borick & Barry G. Rabe, 2010. "A Reason to Believe: Examining the Factors that Determine Individual Views on Global Warming," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 91(3), pages 777-800, September.
    6. Willem Van Rensburg, 2015. "Climate Change Scepticism," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(2), pages 21582440155, May.
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