The Bush administration has been responsible for quashing evidence for climate change, casting doubt, putting pressure on scientists and re-writing scientific reports. These actions are more akin to totalitarian regimes than to democracy and bring shame on the US. Now we have Sarah Palin, Republican number two, claiming that climate change is not related to human activity. In the UK we have the likes of pitiful Jeremy Clarkson trying to ridicule anyone with a care for the environment and applauding Palin’s beliefs. Meanwhile, the ice sheets are disappearing from the Arctic Circle at an alarming rate, we have increasing species extinction, a population explosion and clear evidence that the climate is changing rapidly all around us. Whilst no-one who understands and cares about the environment will take any notice of people like Palin and Clarkson, they are dangerous because they receive widespread media coverage and have an influence on people’s views. Climate scepticism is nothing more than denial in the face of overwhelming evidence but it is made worse by high profile ignorance and apathy.
Dr. Gary Robertshaw
