THB Insider #6
THB Insider #6
My Interview with Jon Caldara & Ask me Anything
I sat down a few weeks ago with Jon Caldara of the Independence Institute in Denver, which you can watch above. We discussed a lot of things — extreme weather, my departure from the University of Colorado Boulder, higher education, and how I became a target of the Obama administration, a member of Congress, and a billionaire — and more.
Quick notes — They titled the episode “climate scientist cancelled.” I publish in the climate science literature, but I do not call myself a climate scientist. I’m a policy researcher with expertise in science and technology policy. I’ve also learned over the years that people call me all sorts of things! Also, I am far from cancelled — THB is about to cross 27,000 subscribers with readers all over the world. If that is cancelled, sign me up!
In the comments, please feel free to ask me anything. I am happy to engage. Remember that THB exists because of your support, so please consider subscribing. If you already subscribe, and value what you encounter here, please consider a subscription upgrade to support independent research and analysis that you will find nowhere else.
Dr. P I'm writing in response to two things I read/heard today. First the presentation by pollster David Schor at the recent Breakthrough conference re voter opinion re the climate crisis and people's views on the various mitigation measures being promoted or mandated. Outcome: most voters do not consider the threat of climate change to be a top of mind subject that informs their voting choices. Following that I saw the headlines for a simple Rocky Mountain PBS article about mushrooming in the forest outside of Nederland Co that it is reportedly a bit more challenging than it should be because of a somewhat drier period in this locale, 'exacerbated by climate change.' according to the headline. (maybe it has been dryish in Nedederland until recently, but under the same 'exacerbating' climate regime it's very wet in New Mexico and Arizona these days)....Typical climate catastrophism journalism practice for Rocky Mountain PBS. Question: Given Schor's polling shows a very low ranking of the climate crisis in the minds of most voters, despite the daily news onslaught of yet another climate crisis or two (e.g., difficult mushroom hunting in today's example) what is the political currency of this climate topic?
Despite low voter interest, the climate issue must have some political use or it wouldn't be a topic. The only thing i can come up with is that climate is an issue that can be used to differentiate 'us' from those who 'aren't like us.' Seems pretty weak, particularly all the noise created.? You expert opinion?
Steve W
Denver
Thank you for posting this interview Roger. I was glad to invest 51 minutes to watch your enlightening interview with Jon Caldara. Will you become a full-time staffer at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC?