This is not a post about the realities—or lack thereof—of man-caused global warming. It is about the rising hubris of “the scientists” who seem to think they are entitled to rule the world.
NASA scientist James Hanson has called for the jailing of oil executives for “crimes against nature” for being global warming deniers. From the story:James Hansen, one of the world’s leading climate scientists, will today call for the chief executives of large fossil fuel companies to be put on trial for high crimes against humanity and nature, accusing them of actively spreading doubt about global warming in the same way that tobacco companies blurred the links between smoking and cancer.
There’s no such thing as a high crime against nature and crimes against humanity are defined by treaties. But why let that stop Hanson? He is being defied and it ticks him off. Moreover, he sounds like a theocrat urging that the leaders of the nonbelievers to be tried for blasphemy: Go against our beliefs, and you are a criminal. I sure know who I don’t want in charge.
Hansen will use the symbolically charged 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking speech to the US Congress—in which he was among the first to sound the alarm over the reality of global warming—to argue that radical steps need to be taken immediately if the “perfect storm” of irreversible climate change is not to become inevitable.
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
Make your gift now at supportfirstthings.com..
First Things needs you. I’m confident you’ll answer the call.
