Alexander Cockburn published a story on Counterpunch today called "Is Global Warming a Sin?" attacking the theory of global warming. Initially the argument seemed somewhat personal and political but also cogent and founded on legitimate data and observations. However, after rereading it and looking for criticism -- especially of the arguments he raised that seemed original and missing from the mainstream debate -- cracks in his argument started to appear. And the closer I looked the more I realized that it's pretty sophisticated politically but really inadequate with respect to what I am beginning to expect of science journalism.
Despite the weaknesses of article, however, it is a great opportunity to understand the anatomy of a cultural and political attack on science itself.
Despite the weaknesses of article, however, it is a great opportunity to understand the anatomy of a cultural and political attack on science itself.
