Tom Toles for August 11, 2010
August 10, 2010
August 12, 2010
Transcript:
Little Man: Hoax! First climate change came for Russia, but I didn't care because I wasn't Russian... worst drought, fires in 1000 years. 700 people dying per day.
When I hear climate change deniers, I’m reminded of the 1940s view that there’d never be a need for more than about 5 computers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Watson
We must all struggle with ‘cognitive dissonance’ when dealing with new information that does not fit into the files and folders we’ve already constructed in our brains. Our brain is inclined to reject any information that does not fit pre-existing notions. So, we all have to PRACTICE listening well, and looking carefully at information outside our comfort zone.
And, Earth is the only place we have. So, even if it’s only a small chance that our reckless pollution and gobbling up of forest covers, etc. is damaging the long term survival on earth, it is adult and prudent to take action.
A study last week noted that since the 50s, phytoplankton —part of the fundamental base of the food chain—has decreased by 40%!!! That seems cause for concerned action.