Science denial comes to Poland

The questioning of science is not new. Humanists have, at times, rightfully questioned ethical dilemmas raised by new scientific advancements and technology. A number of religions fail to accept evidence supporting theories of evolution or the formation of the universe; instead, the followers put their faith in creation myths. Luddites rejected technological advances for fear of losing their jobs. Today, automation does in fact replace workers in manufacturing jobs, and self-driving vehicles and artificial intelligence will likely replace even more in the near future. Activists, sometimes misinformed, rail against GMOs, nuclear power, and other applications of science. Even when people are confronted with solid evidence showing that their fears are unwarranted, their perceptions of risk are not aligned with actual statistics, or their conclusions are simply incorrect, it is difficult to change firmly held opinions. If someone refuses to accept evolution, you could argue that there is little harm done. However, with climate change denial and the anti-vaxxer movement, the distrust or dismissal of science is particularly dangerous to the health and well-being of humanity.

On climate change, religious leaders and scientists are typically on the same page.
From: Centre for Climate Safety 

Unfortunately, there have been scientists who sold out for personal gain; this, of course, doesn't help build public trust in science. In the book, Merchants of Doubt, authors Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway share a number of rather horrifying stories, starting with those (well compensated and well connected) individuals who claimed tobacco was safe. Planting seeds of doubt has been a deliberate attempt to cause confusion among the public; disinformation campaigns by tobacco or fossil fuel companies, the Koch brothers, and others are well-documented and, of course, aimed at protecting special interests, not public safety. [Those same corporations and wealthy individuals support lobbyists who have access and open their wallets to legislators, persuading them to continue protecting theose special interests.] As noted on the website for Oreskes and Conway's book,

The U.S. scientific community has long led the world in research on public health, environmental science, and other issues affecting the quality of life. Our scientists have produced landmark studies on the dangers of DDT, tobacco smoke, acid rain, and global warming. But at the same time, a small yet potent subset of this community leads the world in vehement denial of these dangers. 

Sadly, those who spread disinformation have not been held liable, even when human lives were lost.

From: clearingthefogradio.org  https://goo.gl/images/6z7Mz8

We used to believe that the news media was a trusted source of information and freedom of the press crucial for democracy. Today, however, we live in a world of fake news where heads of state claim that the media is the "enemy of the people." So now, the public doesn't trust scientists or the media. What could possibly go wrong?

You may be wondering why I raise this issue while I am attending the U.N. climate meetings. Well, yesterday, science denial reached a new level when four countries refused to accept the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change into the document being negotiated here in Katowice. This special report of the IPCC was actually called for by the Parties when the Paris Agreement was signed. That agreement calls on countries to limit global warming to less than 2° C, but many have argued over the years that the limit needs to be 1.5° C [1, 2]. Which countries you ask? The United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Great company to be in given all the other controversies swirling around Trump, Putin and MBS. All week long, Saudi Arabia was resisting text language related to "raising ambition" (i.e. with respect to strengthening national commitments for lowering greenhouse gas emissions). Turning the healthy dose of skepticism on these countries and politicians, what vested interests might they have for this latest denial of science?

From: Griffin, P. Science Denial - Works on Dummies, The Critical Mind blog, 4/13/16

[1]. Athanasiou, T. 1.5 to Stay Alive, Says a Landmark UN Climate Report. The Nation, October 9, 2018.

[2.] Or if you prefer the message in music video/documentary form, see here.  1.5 Stay Alive: Science Meets Music in the Caribbean