Mark
3 August 2008
The biggest thing that frustrates me about the global warming issues confronting us is not that there are a multitude of opinions, but that most of these opinions (and often the loudest) are not backed with any sort of fact, science, or logic. These opinions, armed with a plenitude of ignorance, confront the problem based on feeling, culture, politics, or religion. This is a huge problem.
Having had several people in the past few weeks tell me that they "don't believe in global warming" with no data or reason to back up their belief makes me think that to some it is viewed as a faith-based controversy, a matter of personal belief. Again, huge problem. I don't care if you or I "believe in it." I only care what is. Truly, personal belief has nothing to do with this issue. Our only concern should be open, honest, scientifically-rooted, data-based discussion and analysis of the issue at hand. Little else is relevant.
For many complicated reasons (and some not so complicated), politics has woven its hand into the discussion and action surrounding the issue of global warming.1 In 200 years I don't know what conclusions the world will have come to regarding all of this, but I know that if they were based on politics, culture, or even religion, we will most likely be in trouble.
Belief is not truth, especially when misapplied
No matter the cultural and political currents2 that run amongst us, we should remember that the currents of truth3 will always run stronger. Seeking that truth and acting in wisdom should be our primary concern. Is it?
1. When Science and Politics Collide - AIAA.org
2. Mormons and Politics - Newsweek
3. Doctrine and Covenants 104:13
IPCC Synthesis Report - Recommended as reading (or at least skimming) for all Mormons and those who take seriously our charge of stewardship over the earth
1 comments:
Excellent post! People's tendency to express "belief" (or most often unbelief) in global warming is my own biggest pet peeve. Thanks for expressing this!
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