Who You Gonna Believe?

When it comes to most matters, especially anything to do with science, it would appear that there's at least one person you can't rely on:



Keep in mind, this report was issued by the American government's own people.

Some have expressed this lack of confidence more directly, as reported in this article from the Huffington Post.  This fake Time cover does seem to go well with the article, though.

Unquestioning supporters are unmoved, apparently.  As the sign in the picture puts it: "Make the Earth Flat Again".  Good luck with that.

Mass Shooting in _______, USA, Kills _____.

In recognition of the regular occurrence of such events south of the 49th, The Beaverton has made available a fillable form, as a public service ....

Mass Shooting in USA Kills....

The Three Stooges Meet Dumb & Dumber

In a recent edition, Maclean's paraded what it chose to call "The Resistance" on its front cover.  Very quickly, some wag changed the image to something else.

Personally, I like a different version that appeared shortly after.  Let's call spades, spades, after all.  

This is the bunch, at least here in Canada, that is spearheading the fight against dealing with climate change.  Taking the Federal Government to court to challenge the imposed carbon tax.  Let's face it.  These boys aren't "The Resistance", they're The Obstructionists.

There are so many reports coming out, so much research that's been done over the past couple of decades, it's just astonishing that anyone, especially anyone who aspires to political leadership, could take such positions in this day and age.

What we've been learning recently is that forecasts about the future effects of climate change have been, if anything, far too conservative, if I can use that word.  

Of course, the cynics/realists among us will know that these boys aren't taking their positions because of any great principles, but rather because they believe they can profit from political opportunism.  It's all about gaining power.

Face it, boys.  That's not leadership.

Better Late Than Never

I should have made this decision months ago.  Perhaps years ago.  I can only attribute my inaction to my Irish heritage which stereotypically enjoys a good argument.

What I refer to is the endless arguments with people on social media (anti-social, more like it) about a range of topics, but principally climate change.

Some call these people "climate change skeptics". I wouldn't be that kind.  Being skeptical is useful.  All good people of science are skeptical, accepting the conclusions of others only after examining the evidence, perhaps after trying to replicate experiments themselves.

My choice of term would be "climate change denier".  These people are in complete denial about almost everything that's happening in the environment, specifically as a result of our greenhouse gas emissions since the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Their arguments cover the gamut, from "it isn't happening", to "humans aren't causing it", to "the climate is always changing, this is nothing new", to "volcanoes give off more gases than humans do", to "Canada is carbon neutral"....but you get the idea, and I'm sure you've heard all of them, many times.

If you want to look at a more complete list of all the excuses climate change deniers make as they pretend nothing is happening, you can look here:  Most Used Climate Myths

Consequently, this is where we are now, decades after the problem was first observed and the first warning signs were apparent to those who were looking:

One point that's been made quite often recently is that it is nearly impossible to change people's point of view, especially when the new information challenges their world view.

So, as I alluded to earlier, I've made a decision.  I'm not going to bother engaging with such people.  People who haven't bothered to even become acquainted with the available information.  After all, it's not like convincing these people will actually change anything, right?  Efforts would be better expended lobbying politicians and businesses to make the changes that are necessary to our survival.

As for social media discussions, my tactic will be to simply block such people.  It's a waste of time arguing with them, they are impervious to facts and information, so I can't see the point in engaging with them and giving them the platform to repeat the same nonsense.  It's the 21st Century, after all. 

Should have done it months ago.