Competitive Enterprise Institute
Director of Global Warming and International Environmental Policy for the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a conservative free market, limited government think-tank based in Washington, DC
PROFILE
Myron Ebell
Guest
FROM Myron Ebell
Which Way, L.A.?
The Heartland Institute, Global Warming and Public Schools Documents leaked last week reveal efforts to cast doubt on climate change with a new curriculum for public schools. Some call it similar to challenging Evolution by pushing Creationism. The Heartland Institute , a libertarian nonprofit group in Chicago, says at least one document supposedly "leaked" last week is a complete fake. But Heartland concedes that others accurately reveal the names of its funders. Is it really about science or public policy?
To the Point
Global Warming and the Culture Wars Leaked documents show that the nonprofit Heartland Institute is trying to shake the confidence of public school teachers in human-caused climate change. Its proposed K-12 curriculum says there is "scientific controversy," when a broad consensus of scientists says the case is all too clear. It's evidence of how so-called "merchants of doubt" are challenging efforts to limit the burning of fossil fuels and emissions of greenhouse gases. How does the effort to contradict climate science compare to the push to teach Creationism as the "other side" of Evolution?
Which Way, L.A.?
FEMA, Disaster Relief and the Politics of Global Warming Hurricane Irene is the most recent in a string of natural disasters, including the tornado in Joplin, Missouri, flooding in Minot, North Dakota, drought in Texas and wildfires in the Southwest. President Obama is promising federal help to victims of Hurricane Irene, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency is running out of money and House Republican leaders say any new federal assistance will have to be paid for with cuts elsewhere in the budget. We hear about disaster relief in the short term and the long-term politics of global warming.
To the Point
Disaster Relief and the Politics of Global Warming Climate scientist won't attribute a given weather disturbance to global warming, but the consensus is that rising temperatures will lead to bigger and stronger storms. Tornados in Joplin, Missouri; flooding in Minot, North Dakota; drought in Texas, wildfires in the Southwest and, now, Irene all raise the question of whether global warming is creating "weird weather." Most Republican Presidential candidates are skeptical of global warming, especially the idea that it's caused by human activity. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA , is short of money, and House Republican leaders say any new federal assistance will have to be paid for with cuts elsewhere in the budget. With President Obama promising help to all those affected, will disaster protection and climate change be issues in next year's campaign?
Which Way, L.A.?
Views on Global Warming Change with the Weather Surveys show that public opinion on climate change quite literally shifts with the weather. Now there's a more persuasive kind of evidence. The recent spate of extreme weather -- flooding in Pakistan, Fires in Russia, landslides in China and unprecedented extremes in the US -- appears to confirm predictions made by earlier models of global warming, according to the World Meteorological Organization . Dmitry Medvedev says it's " a wake-up call to all… heads of state." But, when it comes to tough decisions about industrial policy, skeptics are ahead of the game. The political will to take action is as variable as the weather. The world is getting warmer, whether industrial greenhouse emissions are the cause or not. Is there need for some action before it's too late?
To the Point
Views on Global Warming Change with the Weather Surveys show that public opinion on climate change quite literally shifts with the weather. Now there's a more persuasive kind of evidence. The recent spate of extreme weather -- flooding in Pakistan, Fires in Russia, landslides in China and unprecedented extremes in the US -- appears to confirm predictions made by earlier models of global warming, according to the World Meteorological Organization . Dmitry Medvedev says it's " a wake-up call to all… heads of state." But, when it comes to tough decisions about industrial policy, skeptics are ahead of the game. The political will to take action is as variable as the weather. The world is getting warmer, whether industrial greenhouse emissions are the cause or not. Is there need for some action before it's too late?
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To the Point
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.