Drought-smacked Houston TV host turns to scientists for answers – Andrew Dessler, Ph.D, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University and David Bieler, Ph.D
Chair & Associate Professor Geology, Centenary College of Louisiana.
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So here I was wondering how a TV station in Houston could be hosting a rational discussion of climate change and its impact on local weather when at the end it was revealed – this was a PBS station! Which means that Rick Perry and his devoted lack of faith in Science will be undisturbed by this discussion since there is zero chance that he watches this station. Sigh.
amazing, tho, how nervous the presenter seemed about even bringing the topic up — I think as this drought moves into year 2, which seems likely, the way things are setting up, we’re going to see some more head scratching down texas way…
Could the nervousness have something to do with his job security / the continued existence of the station given the political climate?
Now having seen the video, I don’t agree with the nervousness at all. Rather, it was thoughtfulness, carefully formulating questions the answers of which the viewers would be able to relate back to themselves and their situation. Is thoughtfulness and non-shouting, non-soundbiting really that unusual in Texas TV programming that it comes across as nervousness?
Of course scientifically, the level was extremely simple, but that’s just the audience it is for. No complaint.
Or maybe there’s something in their water.
http://youtu.be/ZNGYWjus72o
Very good stuff- the two Scientists did a good job explaining climate change. PBS seems to have taken a risk in Houston on this subject.
The truth needs to come out everywhere. What is sad and criminal is that the Mainstream media both national and local has been muzzled.
After a great show, the host mentioned that next week he will discuss a related topic, the crisis in Texas education.
Glimpsing past specific policy, have a glimpse at David Barton, a very clever determined guy with unshakable certain beliefs that most of us would euphemistically consider “hard to prove”. He was the co-chair of Texas Republican Party, was an influential consultant to the state board of education’s new textbook standards, and is a Rick Perry political ally.
An excerpt from Mr. Barton’s bio on his website – “His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.”
This long comment’s punch line is….
http://bit.ly/oJLJxM
Quite informative. One gripe on my part would be the responses to the “how long until humans have to find another planet” question.