Duncan--I think it's becasue this issue is like abortion, pacifism, etc. People have made up their minds and nothing is going to change them, so they aren't really interested in a debate or in evidence for or against the validity of the idea.
I think it's a primary example of what has not generally been said about the climate debate: the scientific community has a big stake it. If people believe that global warming or whatever you call it is occurring, science institutes and research universities will get billions in research monies, which, of course, they want. So they have a vested interest in frightening the general public with apocalyptic scenarios so they can then cash in on fear (rather like churches do). Just like "The Coming Ice-Age" back in the 1980s.
Since science has largely taken the place of religion for many people and speaks with the authoritative, prophetic voice that was formerly reserved for the Church or for self-styled prophets, people listen to it with the same passivity and gullability religious enthusiasts heeded such organizations and individuals in former ages.
dwl
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