The Sound Green

Corfee-Morlot's piece "Global Warming in the Public Sphere" from Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society was a very educating read for me. Though human induced climate change is an extremely vast issue that I have studied very little throughout my studies of environmental science, I have a decent understanding of the science behind the theory. However, I was enriched by the explanation and history of causes for emergence of global warming into the public sphere. I have debated from time to time with friends and worse, family, about the issue of global warming and have noticed a trend. Opposing views tend to accuse the emergence of environmentalism and a "tree-hugger" population as the cause for pubic interest in global warming. That hype was created by governments and radical environmentalist groups in order to create markets and fear. When in reality, American government apparently stumbled on much of the early climate change science. With extensive post WWII testing of nuclear devices and atmospheric physics (sympathies to the Marshallese) , a better understanding of greenhouse gasses and particulates and their impact on heat retention was gained. During the Cold War years governmentally funded research was conducted concerning global warming. Due to military commencement of research and discontinued funding by the 1960's, civilian sources (eg. National Science Foundation) began to progress research. I feel that this shift in research organizations is a valid point when arguing the debate of global warming. It shows how organizations on different ends of the motivation spectrum have a common interest in the valid data and science concerning global warming. Years later, the government would continue to study the theory of global warming, creating a joint, objective and broad pursuit of climate change understanding.
To conclude this meandering ramble, it is clear that scientific research concerning global warming has been conducted by a range of organizations. It is important to understand the history of how this relatively new science grew to command huge public interest.