Australia is without a science minister for the first time in decades and some scientists now refer to the missing minister as “our invisible friend”. The absent minister symbolises the current ambivalence of the Australian political right to science.
That ambivalence turns to open hostility when it comes to climate science. Five years ago Tony Abbott dismissed the science of climate change as “absolute crap” and that statement still resonates. Now, we are seeing more worrying developments.
Scientists hiding and manipulating data? Mysterious time travelling forces? Easily debunked myths being repeated as facts? Plucky amateurs and bloggers saving us from professional scientists?
Such notions are traits of pseudoscience and would be mocked if being promoted by crystal healers. Unfortunately we are hearing such nonsense being repeated by right wing media, government advisors and MPs.
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Over the past few weeks there has […]