Class Research Resources and Assignments

Week 9
Video of Lectures


 
 
1st Hour
HOUR EXAM

Update on climate developments

The Evolving Science of Climate Change
 

 

Contrary to many assertions in the public sphere, the science of climate change is NOT "over." In fact, it is changing in remarkable ways and at an alarming pace.

What has the field of climate science learned since publication in 2007 of the IPCC's 4th Assessment Reports?

(Ask your local Nobel laureate...)


[Our Resident Nobel Laureate]
   
The Social Representation and Understanding of the Science
 
There have been critiques of the scientific message offered by "climate skeptics" from a conference in Oxford, England and throughout the media:
  Caution urged on climate 'risks'," BBC News Online, (17 March 2007)
  "Climate Scientists Caution about Global Warming," Newshour BBC, (17 March 2007)
  "Al Gore Snowjob," YouTube, (2 August 2008).
In addition , there have been further chapters in the ongoing saga: "Boys and Girls Behaving Badly -- On Capitol Hill...."
  "Boxer Admonishes Inhofe," CBS News Online, (21 March 2007).


In the meantime, the entire definition of "pollution" has changed....

Over the past year the definition of "pollution" has changed, and the question arises, should EPA be allowed to regulate these kinds of ads?
  Remember the Competitive Enterprise Institute's "We Call it Life" Campaign
  Ad without music - Ad with music
  What constitutes "pollution" now? .... that is since Monday's Supreme Court ruling...
    Supreme Court Ruling on CO2 emissions.
  How will California act now?
    California and Supreme Court Ruling
    How will Detroit react?
  What else is beginning to happen world-wide...
    What is happening in the mountains of Peru?
    What, according to tomorrow's IPCC 4th Assessment Report is happeing globally?
    What is the world community beginning to do about it?
    Meanwhile, back at the "ranch" what is happening on the "oil front" on "April Fool's Day?"
    Oil Profit Hearings," NPR - News, (1 April 2008).
  What is expected for this year's North American hurricane season?
    "A Look At The Hurricane Season," CBS News Online, (3 April 2007).
 

 

So, what are local communities beginning to do about it?

    As they witness the total collapse of national leadership on climate issues, individual communities across the country are beginning to get themselves organized on the local level -- so much so that this trend is gaining international recognition:
    "City Mayors Act on Climate Change," BBC - One Planet, (20 March 2008).
    and news from "...our fair city..." is encouraging in this regard:
    "Save Energy, Money and the Planet," PBS - NOW, (28 March 2008).
  The EJ connection...
    Moreover, on a significan scale, the social justice movement is joining hands with the climate change enthusiasts to focus upon how transforming the American economy and national priorities can have the potential power to redress some of the patterns of environmental injustice in our culture:
    "Van Jones," PBS - Tavis Smiley, (27 March 2007).
    In fact, there are numerous voices emerging during this election year from all quarters of the enviromental and political spectrum trying to come to terms with climate issues. Civic leaders, NGOs and the public are large seems to be ahead of all the available political leadership on the horizon.
    2008 Aspen Environment Forum, Aspen Institute (27-29 March 2008).
    Indeed, former politicians have all but given up on the political process and turned instead to plan massive ad campaigns. See:
    Andrew C. Revkin, "Madison Avenue Sells S.U.V.’s. Can It Sell Climate Action?," The New York Times, (31 March 2008), and in particular
   
We didn't wait...and we can't wait.

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