4 of 15

Write now Article Tools

As is often the case, U.S. media is missing the point of climate change, or global warming, essentially synonymous terms. Instead of having informative coverage of the issue, they make it a liberal vs. conservative or Democrat vs. Republican issue, science vs. scientific hype. Instead of doing analysis, it becomes a political discussion, because it draws better media ratings.

Responsible news media educates, ratings driven media focuses on the superfluous side-issues and the argument, rather than the facts. Responsible people can agree to disagree, and discuss an issue, using the facts that best represent their argument, but the focus results not in the media allowing debate, but focuses on the argument and who is on which side.

As we make decisions about how we will proceed into the future, we need good information to make good decisions. Unfortunately, we don't get good information about climate change, so we make decisions on hype, for ratings. Can you imagine a weather forecast that went like this: "The Ocean's temperatures are expected to rise slightly today, again, for the eleven millionth day in a row, setting a new record for this millennium. The resulting increase in hurricanes will be in the mid to high range, with about a ten percent chance of lessening in the coming years." That would get our attention. It might happen, sooner than we expect, but we won't know why, because we didn't get the facts soon enough to react to a phenomenon that will have dramtic impact on our children and grandchildren.

"Back to you, Meredith."

Learn more about this author, Will Kester.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Assessing the US media coverage of global warming?
We want to hear your view. Write now!