Feb 24: This week in science attacks — and resistance
Nature and citizens lash back as climate deniers double down
Hundreds of scientists rallied in Boston last weekend, a sign of what is sure to become the new normal as science weathers attacks from all sides. From education to the federal budget, politicians are trying to throw out progress we’ve made on the climate crisis and are going a step further by waging a war on science itself. Even as attacks deepen across the country, nature is unfazed, lashing out in the form of extreme weather and an unusually early spring in much of the U.S.
Last week, we saw renewed attacks on climate science as deniers tried to “rebalance” the issue in their favor. Apparently getting tired of the usual fights, the GOP brought the battle to a new space: NASA. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, voiced support for plans to “rebalance” NASA’s budget, reducing funding for earth science research and increasing funding for space exploration.
Also at the federal level, the Federal Highway Administration dropped references to “climate change” from their website, which one can imagine is the first step toward attacks on climate action.
In Massachusetts, Attorney General Maura Healey denied Lamar Smith’s second subpoena for the state’s case against Exxon Mobil and whether it knowingly misrepresented its understanding of climate change to shareholders. The AG rejected the first subpoena last July as “an unconstitutional and unwarranted interference with a legitimate ongoing state investigation.”
Meanwhile, in the background, politicians continue to pull from previous denial play-books to welcome climate denial in classrooms across the country.
Attacks on science and reason are not going unnoticed, however. Politicians nationwide are facing tough crowds at local town hall meetings, and a significant portion of the anger is coming from those opposed to Scott Pruitt’s appointment as head of the E.P.A. Last week, two lawmakers from Nevada faced particularly disgruntled crowds displeased with their representatives’ support for Pruitt despite his close ties to the oil and gas industry.
While political turmoil swirls, nature continues on as usual. Last week California saw more and more rain, caught in a whiplash between its drought crisis and a developing flooding crisis. Meanwhile, in most of the U.S., spring is arriving early. Very early. And the consequences of a short winter could be severe for farmers whose crops are cropping up early, becoming vulnerable to late-season frosts and potentially wilting before pollinators arrive.
One thing is clear: this is what climate change looks like. And scientists know it. That’s why they are getting loud, voicing their concerns where they can, from late shows to the streets of Boston. As the National Academy of Sciences said last week, federal research on climate change needs to be maintained and increased. This research has practical and important implications for everyday life. Cutting it means risking the health and well-being of our communities and families.
It is becoming ever more clear that these recurring attacks on science, especially attempts to make mole hills look like mountains, are reckless when exposed to light. We need to ensure we shed as much light as possible on science and the real consequences of inaction when it comes to climate change. Even with supercomputers on our side, the fight against “alternative facts” will be an uphill climb from here to the foreseeable future. This work is important, not just to protect our climate, but to protect our democracy. As the Washington Post reminded us last week, democracy dies in the dark.
Let’s keep shedding the light.
Garrett Blad writes for I Heart Climate Scientists and other publications on climate policy and social change. You can follow him @gblad. Giggles are free.
