Climate change and politics.

The question of whether one accepts the scientific consensus that the climate is changing and that this change is caused by man has become a cultural issue. People on the right of the political spectrum automatica­lly assume that climate change is a hoax. They don't bother to look at the science and make an informed decision about the issue. They don't even care that the people from whom they take this assumption haven't bothered to do the research either. Rational thought doesn't enter into it. It's an issue of "us vs. them". Whoever claims that climate change is a hoax is part of the tribe and whoever says otherwise is an outsider.

The real question is not "How can we educate these people?". They will not listen - no matter how good our arguments are. The group pressure is far stronger than rational arguments could possibly be. The real question is "How do we decouple Republican affiliation­ from the discussion about climate change?". There's nothing inevitable about this link. Why should a conservati­ve take no interest in conserving the planet? Once conservati­ves are free to form an opinion on this matter without peer pressure, they might actually listen.

This has always confused me. As a Progressive I form my position on issues based on facts and cultural influences based on my life experiences. An example would be my position on abortion. I am against it and wish that both sides could form some kind of agreement that would eliminate the majority of abortions in the world. I also believe that you can't make a woman have a baby that does not want to. I am open to other points of view on this subject. I know that my positions will not always be the ones that others subscribe to.

I wish we could all open our eyes on this climate change issue before it is too late. It is only about the future of our existence !