Overview
climate science is one of those areas of the natural sciences that is heavily politicized. Gas and oil companies have a vested interest in convincing the public that greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels have a limited impact on climate, while environmental organizations have a vested interest in convincing the public that our consumption patterns are killing us all.
The following Youtube video is a clip from CNN's Crossfire, a news media show that debates topics in the news (rather than simply reporting the facts). Watch the video clip, paying particular attention to the language used to discuss climate change and climate scientists, the responses provided by science ambassador Bill Nye, and the host's use of statistics to support her point.
*** PLEASE NOTE THIS VIDEO IS 6 YEARS OLD! ***
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUjx2lChTMQ
Write a short (3 to 4 paragraph) essay evaluating the media's reporting on Global Climate Change using this video as your example. What pitfalls can you identify with this approach to reporting science in the media? Review your Statistics in the Media assignment to refresh your memory about the proper interpretation of statistics and the What is Science video in Connect to refresh your memory about some common pitfalls when science is reported in the popular media.
For this essay, each paragraph should average 4 to 5 full sentences. I'm looking for a complete, well thought out essay here. Be thorough and descriptive in your essay and be sure to draw on the materials covered in the course directly. For full points, you should not simply write an opinion piece - you must back up your opinions with facts derived from the video and your readings and assignments.