http://blogs.colgate.edu/2007/10/firstyears-discuss-climate-cha.html Latest comments for First-years discuss climate change with acclaimed author en-us Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:40:25 -0500 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=4.1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://blogs.colgate.edu/2007/10/firstyears-discuss-climate-cha.html#comments <p>I think it was fair for the author to use that language. First, that was the view the speaker was supporting himself, and thus in part that section of the article summarizes the final point the author attempted to convey himself. </p> <p>Second, I don't believe that statement intimates that humanity is the sole cause of global warming, only that we are one major source of it, and thus potentially in a place to curb global warming by reducing and offseting our carbon emissions. This is a claim with which the vast majority of scientists (including many on this campus) agree. <br /> <br /> Excuse me while I stray a little from the main point. The main idea Ivor's post recalls for me is that there is too much of a disconnect between reporting and action, which I believe is rooted in the mentality of "objectivity". Subjectivity is universal, but it manifests itself in degrees. I believe it is important for journalists to be as aware of their subjectivity as possible, but certainly it is harmful for them to attempt to remove all subjectivity.</p> <p>If those at the interface of what is happening in our world and those who don't know what is happening attempt to remove all passion and motivation on these issues, and fail to take serious action and encourage others to, then there is little hope for positive change. Media has a profound impact on us. Dispassionate media can and will produce dispassionate people.</p> <p>Why should our journalists be entirely subjective? So long as they present an account of actual events and statements as accurately as they are able, shouldn't we expect to have to think critically about their point of view, as Ivor has above, and think about the context they provide?</p> <p>Regardless of the fact that a majority of scientists agree global warming is in part anthropogenic, the author herself took the speaker's words to heart and was not afraid to include that in her reporting. It is on those grounds that I applaud her.</p> <p>Steph <br /> </p> <p>- Steph Tubman</p> comment000014@http://blogs.colgate.edu/ Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:40:25 -0500 http://blogs.colgate.edu/2007/10/firstyears-discuss-climate-cha.html#comments <p>Nice synopsis ... up to the "help prevent the devastating causes of humanity's excessive carbon emission into the atmosphere" part. It intimates that humanity is the entire cause of global warming. I hope for a little less biased writing about issues such as this, where so many people on both sides of the global warming argument have an agenda.</p> <p>-Ivor</p> <p>- Ivor Brown</p> comment000013@http://blogs.colgate.edu/ Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:45:42 -0500