Bashing messengers doesn't change the reality

When a messenger warned Armenian king Tigranes that Roman General Lucullus was mounting an attack against him, Tigranes had the messenger beheaded. He killed the messenger because he didn't like the bad news. Some who deny the adverse impacts of climate change have adopted a similar “kill the messenger” attitude toward climate scientists. In response to warnings about global warming, deniers have resorted to ridiculing, stigmatizing, and vilifying scientists who are delivering messages they don't want to hear. Incidentally, Tigranes lost the battle decisively to Lucullus.

Some deniers have tried to frame the climate issue as a clash between science and religion. Indeed, evangelical Christians have been far less likely than the general public to consider climate change a serious concern. Fortunately, that attitude is changing. (Search for, “Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action.”) Quoted from that article, “There are several reasons for urgency. First, deadly impacts are being experienced now.” Furthermore, younger evangelicals are more inclined to appreciate the urgency of the problem. (Search for, “Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.” ) Quoted from that website, “We believe God is calling us to faithful action and witness in the midst of the current climate crisis.”

Idaho is not immune to climate change impacts. Warming trends are evident in all seasons over the past five decades. Snow packs are declining. Streams are warming and flows are decreasing. Fuel moisture is decreasing, raising fire potential. (Search for, “Observed and Projected Changes in Idaho’s Climate.”) Bashing the messengers does not change reality.

JACK DeBAUN

Dover