Robert asks…
How far have environmental issues slithered down the greasy pole of public anxiety?
It’s an exceptionally inconvenient truth. Only one American in three believes that human beings are responsible for climate change: a polling result 10% down on where opinion rested the year before. Worse, the number of Americans who believe that climate change is a hoax or a scientific conspiracy – not doubting, just damned blank certain – has doubled since 2008. Add in those who assert that the changes, if any, are of “no significant concern”, and you’ve got 30% of the US denying, scoffing and just walking on by.
Are the issues clearer, the people more committed, here in Britain? Call for the latest evidence from Ipsos Mori – and find that the proportion of UK adults who believe that global warming is “definitely” a reality has plummeted from 44% to 31% in the last 12 months. Figures like these, on both sides of the Atlantic, are getting more sceptical week by week. The real change of electoral climate is that fewer and fewer voters pay any heed to scientists and politicians.
It isn’t hard to collate the factors that drive disillusion. Professors with a colloquial touch writing “awful” emails; a recession so tough that it blows future shock away; a cold, cold winter the Met Office didn’t forecast; scientific angst about swine flu revealed as way over the top; dodgy figures, dodgy reporting, dodgy issues way up to UN level….
More here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/mar/07/climate-change-inertia-prophet
The Expert answers:
I would not draw the conclusion, however, that people’s concern about LEGITIMATE environmental issues has taken a hit. That remains to be seen. If concern over the environment in general takes a hit, then I’d blame the AGW proponents for destroying the credibility of the entire environmental movement, not the AGW detractors, many of whom do care about the environment, as do I.
Joseph asks…
Who has switched positions on volatile issues?
There is a myth (or is it a truth?) that anyone who holds a firm, dedicated position on a moral issue was simply raised by their family or cultural circle to believe in their opinion.
What I want to know is: who has done a complete 180 (i.e. changed their mind completely) between now and when they were born on any of the follwing issues: abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty, marijuana legalization, gun control, the Iraq war, globalization, or environmental conservation.
It doesn’t matter if you went from a liberal to conservative position or vice versa. Just tell us the issue on which you switched sides as TELL US WHY so that your answer is interesting.
The Expert answers:
I went from being against the death penalty to being for it.
After a friend was murdered.
I think people change their minds about issues when it personally affects them.
Daniel asks…
If I have a C average in college in the US, will it hurt my chances of becoming an electronic engineer in UAE?
I really want to move their and become an electronic engineer. I know Electronics fairly well, but don’t have anything but school experience. I did well in every electronics course, I jus hated studying General Education (Environmental Issues, Writing, etc). Is it still possible for me to work in Dubai?
The Expert answers:
Yes, they don’t pay attention reaaly about the grades.
Nancy asks…
How do you remin positive and poise when the world around us is in chaos?
The global warming issue, environmental issue, religious issues, wars and politics, making ends meet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, raising children, caring for others, school, friends, etc.
The Expert answers:
I cant say am positive and tough all the time, i cant do it!
But in the same time i do not loose my temper for the stupid things that happen, i do not think of these issues, its not indifference but may be i try to have some peace especially that I’ve turned my room into my shelter,where i can be alone, meditate or just close my eyes and remember all the good things that are happening in my life.i keep the worst for the last and i do smile!!
Laura asks…
Why is over population rarely mentioned as an environmental issue ?
When it is clearly the worst threat , everything is amplified by over population.
The effects of human overpopulation are multiple and ominous. As birth rates climb, natural resources get used up faster than they can be replaced, creating enormous economic pressures at home while the standard of living plummets throughout the rest of the world.
As the result of having so many people who do not understand our reality and its behavioral demands, we have created an interrelated web of global environmental problems.
We are depleting our natural resources: our forests, fisheries, range lands, croplands, and plant and animal species. We are destroying the biological diversity on which evolution thrives (this is being called the sixth great wave of extinction in the history of life on earth, different from the others in that it is caused not by external events, but by us).
With powerful new electrical and diesel pumping techniques, we are draining our aquifers and lowering our water tables. We are systemically polluting our air, water, and soil, and consequently our food chain. We are depleting the stratospheric ozone that shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. And, we are experiencing symptoms of global warming: heat waves, devastating droughts, dying forests, accelerated species extinction, dying coral reefs, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and a more rapid spread of diseases.
How can it be so hard to understand ??? what are we waiting for…..
I know Micheal T , we cannot stop human ignorance and stupidity.
Unless the governments take care of over population in drastic violent ways or forced abortion it will never be halted with the approval and cooperation of the human specie.
Its a shame we greatly reduce our quality of life because of this.
Yes we could be 50 billions but why not aim for the quality of life instead of quantity ??
The Expert answers:
Because humans like to deal with issues RIGHT before it’s too late. I.e. Endangered animals, pollution, use of oil, etc. But honestly if the government ever did propose a child-policy it would be shot down instantly. People would be like “No! It’s always been my dream to have 15 kids!” I think people just don’t like to think about it. Humans have no predators nowadays, so it is important for people to realize that a huge population isn’t always a good thing and start working toward a solution. Also, look at the debt of the United States, $14 trillion, think this generation or the next will pay it off? No. That will be another thing people will just put off until it becomes a major issue.
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