Psyche, Science, and Society

NPR finds anthropogenic climate change denier “cute”

April 20th, 2008

On Friday, as I drove into work, I heard a ridiculous NPR piece on 15 year old Kristen Byrnes, who has a web site claiming to disprove anthopogenic global warming. While Byrnes seems like an energetic, feisty girl who one roots for in he long run, the piece presented no evidence that she actually knew anything about science or that her views should be taken seriously. When someone makes claims that thousands of scientists, as well as Al Gore are full of crap, surely the media has an obligation to make some effort to evaluate heir arguments before giving them five minutes of exposure to millions of listeners. But NPR increasingly view substance as anathema to the entertainment function of its “news” shows.

In addition to the NPR listeners, Byrnes herself should be upset at being so condescended to by NPR. The fact that a 15 y.o. girl pontificates on climate science is “cute”  was the message. I once was a prodigy (in math) and am aware of how irritating the condescension by the media and other adults can be. I hated it when adults would ask about my work, only to ignore what I said and smile at how “cute” it was that a 14 year old thought he had something interesting to say.

Deltoid links to a number of sites providing commentary on the piece and critique of Byrnes’ claims.

Entry Filed under: Environment, Gobal Warming, Mainstream media, Media, Science