Saturday, March 17, 2012

Public Voice: Some Sociological Explanations for Climate Change Denial

Sociologist Roger Kramer gives a detailed academic explanation for the type of climate denial I've written about previously on this blog. See the blog Public Voice: Some Sociological Explanations for Climate Change Denial
His recommendations, thankfully, are the same I've been promoting for IP&L: a prophetic voice to speak to the moral and justice issues related to how we respond to the implications and challenges of climate change. Too often we can get caught up in our daily lives and personal responsibilities to see the need for brave action, for self-sacrifice that requires us to give up the pursuit of comfort, stability, and even safety to work for the greater good. That was exactly what Jesus asked of his disciples: not just the 12 Apostles but all those who came to him, wanting to know what they could do to become his followers. Climate change is not the only moral and justice issue facing people of faith, but it is and will continue to be an important one. Climate deniers are not fools or idiots; they are people with hardened hearts who refuse to see the truth in its fullness. Kramer provides an academic perspective on this phenomenon, which can help us to understand and deconstruct it. Perhaps it can help us craft a wiser and more effective response to melt the hearts of those who continue to deny the truth of climate change; the 12 plagues of Egypt may seem quaint by comparison if we fail.