Like most public issues we face, global warming may not penetrate public opinion to its highest level until the crisis crashes down upon us. By our actions, or inaction, we could upset the very balance of the planet, herald in a new ice age, and go the way of the dodo and the dinosaurs. So it might be important that we get this one right. At the very least, we may face a continuation and worsening of the strange weather patterns and violent storms of the past few years. Each hurricane, tornado, flood and mudslide costs millions, even billions of dollars, the loss of human life, and diminishes biodiversity.
Journalists rely upon scientists and policy makers to provide reliable information on the problem.
The public relies upon journalists to provide them with timely, accurate information on the issues. Policymakers act based on their perceptions of public opinion, from the news media and survey research. A number of in-depth series have been produced by major newspapers and magazines, as well as public radio and commercial television stations, presenting by and large a balanced view of global warming. It is painted as a scientific controversy with potentially serious consequences, but always with its critics. That proearth world view is being effectively countered by the corporate elites on the right, who tend to value power, achievement, wealth, tradition, conformity and security .