Britt's Blog

I’m working through a backlog of old Point of Inquiry podcasts, and just listened to this episode:

Greg Craven – What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

It’s an interview with high school science teacher Greg Craven, who created a massively viral YouTube video which presents a somewhat different way of looking at the global warming debate, which is to acknowledge that science will never provide THE TRUTH, or an absolutely certain answer to whether global warming is happening, whether it’s anthropogenic, etc. and so deftly side-step the “yeah-but-als” of the climate-change denialists.

So, consider both sides: What if it’s right? What if it’s wrong? Moreover, consider both responses: What if we do nothing? What if we make the drastic changes required to reduce our atmospheric carbon output?

Which response carries the greatest risk?

And remember, we’re already running the experiment by doing little to nothing to reduce our carbon output.

The first video is pretty simplistic (you can skip it without missing much):

This followup (which responds to criticisms) is better:

I’m struck by the fact that he considers only the possible negative outcomes. A lot of the kicking and screaming about carbon reform makes me think of this cartoon:

I’m not saying Craven’s argument is as bulletproof as he seems to think it is, but I like how he urges you to gather your own information, make your own assesements and come to your own conclusions. I also respect a guy who’s willing to put something up on YouTube and actually read and respond to the comments.

I’m going to subscribe to his newsletter check out his book, which, it is claimed, is about how to make big decisions with limited information. As suggested in the interview, this could be a great part of a freshman seminar course.