Transition from scientific to political arena essay Flashcards
From Scientific to Policy Arena
in 1957, the systematic measurement of CO2 began in Hawaii and at the South Pole
US Congress passed the 1978 National Climate Act, creating a National Climate Program Office as part of NOAA
in 1979, the World Meteorological Organization convened the first World Climate Conference in Geneva
1985 Villach Conference in Austria was the first that called for government action on the issue
June 1988 Toronto Conference— scientists called for specific CO2 reductions of 20%
Role of the Media
media presentation of issues is a biased one
the media’s balance norm has led to a skeptical bias in American stories covering climate change
implications
less pressure is put on political representatives to pass any climate change legislation since they are consuming skepticism on this story in the media
constituencies are less inclined to put pressure on politicians due to skepticism created by media stories that have provided a platform for climate change skeptics
equal time to opponents treats them as equals and exaggerates role of opponents
