Global Warming Controversy

The controversy over the science of global warming is mainly over the extent of human contribution to warming, as well as a dispute over predictions of near-future warming and its effect on human beings and the environment.

Among registered U.S. voters, opinion is split neatly down the middle, with 75% of Democrats believing that "the science is settled" in favor of Al Gore's view and 73% of Republicans affirming that there is no scientific consensus.

In any event, it is important to remember that public opinion does not change the physical reality. Even if 100% of people of both parties belive in anthropogenic climate change, if the reality is that mankind is not responsible, then public opinion to the contrary does not change that fact--and vast amounts of money could be wasted in curbing CO2 emissions when there is no need. On the other hand, if anthropogenic warming is occurring, then no amount of public denial will cool the climate down again--only positive action will.

Links

• Global Warming: A Divide on Causes and Solutions - public opinion poll by Pew Research Center