In one exchange Mr Sammy Wilson (DUP) challenged the motion on the grounds of the science. After Mr Agnew chose to give way, Mr Wilson stated ‘since the Member takes his views from scientists, does he take his view from the scientist who says “to capture the public’s imagination … we have to offer up scary scenarios … Each of us has to decide what the right balance is between being effective and being honest.” That is one of the leading climate change scientists. Is that whom he takes his advice from?’ This quote – taken from Dr Stephen Schneider – is actually a misquote and is taken out of context as it selectively leaves out the last line of the original source. The original quote is fairly different, as it changes the meaning quite drastically: On the other hand, we are not just scientists but human beings as well. And like most people we’d like to see the world a better place, which in this context translates into our working to reduce the risk of potentially disastrous climate change. To do that we need to get some broad-based support, to capture the public’s imagination. That, of course, means getting loads of media coverage. So we have to offer up scary scenarios, make simplified, dramatic statements, and make little mention of any doubts we might have. This “double ethical bind” we frequently find ourselves in cannot be solved by any formula. Each of us has to decide what the right balance is between being effective and being honest. I hope that means being both. Taken from - offtherecordni/green-party-northern-ireland-climate-change-bill-passes-4533/
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 22:33:42 +0000
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