Science does not promise truth, and it never has. Science gives the best possible explanation of reality, though that explanation is always subject to revision. On climate change, there is a scientific consensus that it is real, human-caused, and increasing. The consensus does not prove it is true. The consensus arose because the evidence supports it. Basic open-mindedness is necessary for the function of science, but reasonable skepticism doesn’t imply doubt about the thrust of a theory.
But then there’s FOX News, Exxon, the Koch 
Brothers, and more who’ll be glad to tell you about the sliver of scientists who criticize climate change. Is this a case of lonely scientific voices being silenced by a bloated scientific orthodoxy?
No, they’re lying. We wanted to be a little open-minded, but it’s just that simple… they’re not wrong, they’re lying. They’re lying about one of the most critical issues possible, something that will affect humanity for centuries. They’re lying about issues that will leave people dead, starving, ill, homeless, and warring. They’re paying billions of dollars to put these lies out day after week after year. And they’re lying ONLY because they make money off the lies. Ready to get your blood boiling? Then settle in for this month’s News to Make You Furious…
DeSmogBlog is written by a PR professional, and tracks the lies of the Denial Movement. From the author… “There is a line between public relations and propaganda – or there should be. And there is a difference between using your skills, in good faith, to help rescue a battered reputation and using them to twist the truth – to sow confusion and doubt on an issue that is critical to human survival.”
Climate Cover-Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming by James Hoggan- If you like the DeSmogBlog, you’ll like this book by one of the bloggers.
Michelle Bachman, among many others, is fond of pointing out all the “Nobel Prize Winning” scientists who are global warming doubters. When the Heartland Institute published a list of 500 of these doubters, the outraged response from many was to ask that their names be removed. Oops.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-01-03-exxonmobil-global-warming_x.htm Scientists say oil company misinforms public on global warming
Short article from the Seattle PI lists some of the companies involved in funding climate change denial, and the strategies they use to make it happen.
You probably noticed that Climate Change isn’t the first issue to receive the “scientific doubt” treatment. Merchants of Doubt describes the whole sordid story of how this strategy has been consciously applied from cigarettes through nuclear winter, acid rain and the ozone hole. If you’re interested, there’s an in-depth review of the book here.
One of the most widely circulated “documentaries” on doubts in the theory of climate change is the Great Global Warming Swindle. This website takes it apart piece by piece.
James Hansen, head of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, is widely respected as one of the world’s leading climate scientists. Here’s his inside look at how politics is influencing science, and how the public loses in the end.
Is there a way to fight back? Turns out there is, and sadly it’s the lawyers that can lead the way. A similar strategy to the tobacco lawsuits can hold companies responsible for a pattern of conscious, active, destructive lying.
Greenpeace says a US oil company donated millions to climate sceptic groups… hello, Koch Bros!
A story about scientists offered cash to dispute climate studies
Industry Ignored Its Scientists on Climate
What does it actually look like when politicians meddle in science? Read the full version of the White-House-Edited CDC Climate Report – with highlights!
What Can You Do?
FIGHT BACK! Don’t sit by passively when you hear someone lying about climate change. Educate yourself, know the science behind the issues and the typical arguments used against it. UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE! And when you understand it, call your representatives and let them know how you feel. Join 350.org, Sierra Club, GreenPeace, or one of the many other organizations fighting for this important issue. What can YOU do? Don’t just get furious… GET INVOLVED!
