Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES
The previous two chapters have analyzed the obstacles to developing
a rational and effective public policy on climate change. Public opinion
and a substantial wing of American politics are moving in one direction
even as scientifi c views are moving in the other. Powerful economic forces
that oppose climate-change science have muddied the water and con-
fused the public with misleading arguments and scientifi c-looking claims.
This is not the fi rst occasion when scientifi c fi ndings have met strong
opposition, nor will it be the last. We saw earlier how the tobacco indus-
try became the merchants of doubt to confuse the public and block pub-
lic policies on smoking.
How did the tobacco story run its course? Eventually, through tire-
less and patient efforts, doctors and scientists won over the public on
the question of whether smoking cigarettes causes cancer. Figure 45
shows the evolution of public opinion on the question of cancer and
100
90
80
70
60
50
Non smokers
All adults
Smokers
40
30
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
Year
Figure 45.
Americans gradually accepted the scientifi c view that smoking causes
cancer even as the tobacco industry conducted its campaign of deception.
