10 Scientists want Meeting w/ Florida's Governor to explain Climate Change

[Divernan]

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/07/16/3460704/scientists-rick-scott-florida-letter/

If you’re not a scientist, presumably you should listen to people who are when grappling with climate change.

That is the logic, at least, of a group of scientists who sent Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) a letter on Tuesday requesting a meeting so they can explain to him the science of climate change. The Tampa Bay Times reported that ten prominent scientists, including professors at the University of Miami, Florida State, Florida International and Eckerd College, signed the letter, which read in part “it is crucial for policymakers, such as yourself, to have a full understanding of the current and future threats to Florida.”

In his initial 2010 campaign, Scott replied “I have not been convinced” when asked if he believes in global warming. And as the letter noted, the Governor has since settled into a common pattern among Republicans whenever pressed on the issue of climate change, simply responding with “I’m not a scientist.”

“We are scientists,” the letter continued. “And we would like the opportunity to explain what is at stake for our state. Those of us signing this letter have spent hundreds of years combined studying this problem, not from any partisan political perspective, but as scientists — seekers of evidence and explanations. As a result, we feel uniquely qualified to assist you in understanding what’s already happening in the climate system so you may make the most effective decisions about what must be done to protect the state, including reducing emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants.”

This is a great idea. The National Academy of Science and all professional associations of scientists whose fields have anything to do with climate change, both in the US and internationally should not wait to be consulted, but should pro-actively seek out and educate both political decision makers and the general public. In the current economy and political mindset, the only parties with the bucks to seek out scientific advice and fund studies on controversial matters are the corporate interests who will either bribe scientists to be hired guns and produce bogus reports, or will fund research within their own corporate interests and bury any results harmful to their marketing plans.

Heard a good line in a futuristic movie the other day where it was noted that Big Pharma put all its efforts into developing hair growth and penis enhancement products. Follow the money,baby!

[HooptieWagon]

1. I doubt he'll meet with them.

In the middle of a reelection campaign, being willfully ignorant will appeal to his teabagging base. Better the scientists meet with Crist, bring him up to date and supply key talking points. Crist would be receptive, and Dems and Moderate voters likely to vote for him would consider it a main issue.

[Turbineguy]

2. Scott probably wants time

to sell his low-lying properties first.