If we’re going to turn around America’s appalling science illiteracy – we’re going to have to do a better job humanizing science and scientists. One of the highest profile scientists in the world is Gavin Schmidt of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies…
They are not helpless geeks, nor are they emperious, all knowing supermen. They are men, women, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, citizens, employees, bosses, religious and atheist, republican and democrat, (although the republicans seem to be doing what they can to hound science out of public life)- and they have hobbies…..
Dr. Schmidt, is, of course, one of the guiding lights behind the indispensable RealClimate blog, and a close associate of James Hansen. His most recent paper is on top of my “to read” file, and his lucid explanations and calm demeanor in all-to-rare media appearances make him an MVP on the rational science team.
Here’s Gavin in a more traditional scientist mode.
Thanks, Peter. This was a really entertaining post. More, please.