Clearing the PR Pollution that Clouds Climate Science

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California carbon cap bill good for economy too

As California's widely supported Global Warming Solutions Act, gets set to pass this summer, a new University of California study finds that the new Act could create as many as 17,000 new jobs.

Author of the report, David Roland-Holst, concludes:

"Our study demonstrates that meeting the 2020 [green-house gas] limits under debate in Sacramento can stimulate the state economy... Climate action can be profitable."

The report also finds that the annual Gross State Product (GSP) could see a $60 billion increase as California aggressively moves on its proposed new carbon emissions cap program.

It is also refreshing to note that author directly reports that the funding for his research was due in part to the generosity of the non-profit Energy Foundation, a consortium pushing for renewable energy solutions. This kind of disclosure provides the context the public needs when reading such papers and judging the validity of the claims made.

Would be great if the small group of fringe scientists and "think" tank experts who still deny that global warming is a problem followed suit and stamped "paid by ExxonMobil" on their studies.
What's next?

About the climate cover-up

About the climate cover-up

Democracy is utterly dependant upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.

There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.

Although all public relations professionals are bound by a duty to not knowingly mislead the public, some have executed comprehensive campaigns of misinformation on behalf of industry clients on issues ranging from tobacco and asbestos to seat belts.

Lately, these fringe players have turned their efforts to creating confusion about climate change. This PR campaign could not be accomplished without the compliance of media as well as the assent and participation of leaders in government and business.

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