Evolved Thinking on Climate Change Is Both Encouraging and Terrifying
Here’s a feature from the current edition of the American Energy Society’s newsletter:
Energy Quotes: Jim Bridenstine, New head of NASA:
“The rise and fall of global temperatures correlates with sun output and ocean cycles.” – In 2013, during a House floor speech as a Republican congressman from Oklahoma.
“Scientists from the NCA, NASA, Department of Energy, and NOAA have clearly stated that it is extremely likely … that human activity is the dominant cause of global warming. I have no reason to doubt the science.” – In 2018, during Senate testimony as the Director of NASA
“Is it fair to call this an evolution of your views?” – Question to Mr. Bridenstine by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
“Yes.”
While this is no doubt a positive development, especially considering it’s a correction in the thinking of the man who’s leading one of the world’s most important science-based organizations, it poses tough questions, e.g.:
Why are we selecting lawmakers to make policies on science who have no understanding of science in the first place?
Ocean cycles? Who has the chutzpah to stand up in front of a group of our country’s leaders and make a statement for which there is no evidence whatsoever?
Craig,
I don’t think you quite grasp the concept of ‘representative’ government.
If you want government by a small “qualified” elite, that’s a different sort of government structure and a different sort of society.
The sole requirement for elected office (or office requiring the approval of elected representatives) is the continued confidence of the majority of electors. In this instance, Jim Bridenstine,is well qualified.
Craig,
Come to think of it, Jim Bridenstine is well qualified for a position which is largely administrative and political lobbying.
He’s a former popular Congressman, an holds degrees in Economics, Psychology, and Business Administration as, an MBA from Cornell University.
Lieutenant-Comander Bridenstine also served with distinction as a pilot in both the Navy and Airforce with an impressive record of active missions, and is still enrolled as a major in the National Guard..
He service as executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium was also considered impressive.
There is no reason to believe a scientist would perform any better in the position, in fact as more and more scientists etc are discovered to have exaggerated or misreported information simply to gain extra funding, ( latest scandals are in Nano-technology research) perhaps a respected administrator might be the better choice for such a large organization funded by the US taxpayer.
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