Researchers confirm that surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere were warmer over the last 10 years than any time during the last 1300 years, and, if the climate scientists include the somewhat controversial data derived from tree-ring records, the warming is anomalous for at least 1700 years. 
| Comment: 
| Tools: 
Democracy is utterly dependent 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.
Like what you read here? Get our top five stories in your inbox every week. » here's a preview
Enter your email and subscribe now!
Talking to a friend whose daughter lives in Alaska:
Old timers there are complaining about climate changes. Huge icebergs are floating by down the change now.
This part of the country is most affected so far. How is Palin so ignorant of it?
I meant to say, "floating down the channel by the island". One of the changes in
Alaska.
Since the temperature has gone up the most in the Arctic, the changes are noticed by out door people, sportsmen or commercial hunters, etc. Sarah had to have heard of it from outdoor people.
Some offbrand evangelical preachers are preaching the Exxon gospel (although the National Council of Evangelical Churches has a resolution toward stopping global warming -- 'creation care' or stewardship of the earth, in religious terms.