Seth Borenstein’s AP article, “Top Scientists Warn of Water Shortages and Disease Linked to Global Warming” [March 12, 2007], regarding a United Nations’ report that will be released at some undefined point in the future, is a shameless case of what used to be called yellow journalism. Borenstein reports no news, but merely looks for the most transparent hook to sensationalize global warming and scare people.
Borenstein attempts to mislead readers into believing that with the passage of time scientists are formulating ever-worsening global warming predictions. In fact, just the opposite is true. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has just this year substantially lowered its predicted temperature rise and its predicted sea level rise for the upcoming century.
Borenstein should stick to reporting real news rather than engaging in shameful environmental muckraking.
James M. Taylor ([email protected]) is The Heartland Institute’s senior fellow for environment affairs and managing editor of Environment & Climate News.
