[WikiEN-l] Surveys HAVE been conducted, and they indicate LACK of consensus on GW theory

Tue Nov 25 16:07:19 UTC 2003

Gareth,

Perhaps you agree with the popular laymen's POV (espoused by liberals,
Democrats, environmentalists, etc.) that there is a massive majority of
informed scientific opinion that believes in anthropogenic global
warming. But YOUR AGREEMENT with that viewpoint is insufficient reason
for the Wikipedia to endorse it.

Rather, we should consult surveys to see whether or not such a "massive
majority" exists.

Some people, such as you and Fred (if I recall correctly) seem to
believe two apparently contradictory things:

(a) that no surveys of scientists' GW theory 
    acceptance have been conducted, and
(b) that there's a "consensus" of scientists 
    who accept GW theory

You can't have it both ways.

But if there is some prominent figure or organization which holds both
those beliefs, we can mention that in the appropriate article.

The same article, however, should mention the EXISTENCE of surveys -
even if this makes holders of the "no surveys conducted" POV look
foolish. It's kind of like the flat earth thing. We mention believers in
flat earth, where appropriate, but we point out that their belief has
been discredited.

Ed Poor