Science under fire from 'merchants of doubt': US historian
These naysayers -- some of whom are paid by interest groups -- have helped undermine action on vital problems despite evidence of the need to respond, said Naomi Oreskes, a professor of history and science studies at the University of California at San Diego.
They sap convictions by endlessly questioning data, dismissing experimental innovation, stressing uncertainties and clamouring for more research, she said. Over the last half-century, they have helped weaken legislative action or brake political momentum on tobacco, acid rain, protection of the ozone layer and climate change.
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NASA, Chemical tracers were released from
five rockets launched from NASA’s Wallops Island test flight facility in
Wallops Island, Va., on Tuesday morning. The tracers form white clouds
that allowed scientists and the public to visualize upper level jet
stream winds.
