PBS is not known for its balanced coverage of global warming.
A PBS report broadcast in the wake of Pope Francis’ recent encyclical entitled “faith-based activism on climate change” is now airing nationwide. It shows residents and Catholic clergymen attributing local conditions in the Louisiana Bayou to CO2 emissions.
CFACT readers are well aware that the small amount of global warming that occurred last century can not be pinned principally to man’s activities and there’s been no meaningful warming this century.
In addition, global sea level is only rising one to three millimeters per year (the width of the wire in a paper clip or so) just as it has been doing since before the Industrial Revolution. Whatever issues people may be experiencing in the bayou is not a result of manmade climate change.
This PBS report does, however, include some rare balance.
CFACT’s Marc Morano, editor of our award-winning Climate Depot news and information service, is interviewed and presents an informed Catholic’s perspective on science and an appropriate plea for the poor.
PBS reporter KIM LAWTON: Marc Morano is part of a coalition that went to Rome in April urging the Vatican not to rely only on scientists who take what they call “an alarmist, extremist” position on climate change.
MORANO: None of the predictions, the dire predictions they made so far are coming true. They’re failing to come true. And this is one of the things that the pope is not hearing. He’s only hearing one view. Carbon-based energy development is the best friend for poor people and would give them the best chance at life.
LAWTON: Morano is also concerned about the Vatican being too closely tied to the United Nations climate agenda.
MORANO: On many issues from abortion, euthanasia, overpopulation concerns there’s going to be massive conflicts with Catholic teachings. And I think the pope has got to, and the Vatican, has to think this through better.
Marc did a great job presenting reason in this emotionally charged debate. You can watch the entirety of the PBS report on “faith-based activism on climate change” here.