An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming
An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming – Review
In an Appeal to Reason’ Nigel Lawson takes a brief but critical look at the issue of global warming. For those unfamiliar with the author, Lawson is a member of the House of Lords and a former British Cabinet Minister. While Lawson points out some of the more clear challenges to the global warming thesis (e.g. lack of temperature increases in 21st century despite record CO2 emissions), for arguments sake, he mostly accepts the global warming argument, and focuses his examination on strongly suggested policy initiatives simply put forth by global warming advocates rather than the science’ itself. Lawson discusses the morality, potential effectiveness and cost of some of the more general policy proposals (i.e. a total emission agreement) – finally concluding that they are largely untenable and ill-conceived. With regard to short comings, while the book addresses many big issues relating to global warming, it has a distinctly British flavor – this was a small drawback from my perspective. Additionally, while Lawson is a clear and concise communicator the text has a governmental’ feel. These criticisms aside, the book is worthwhile for readers getting a relatively reasoned look at this often emotionally charged issue. In particular, it offers is reasoned counter to some of the more sensational common pieces such as Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth’. The book gave me with two key impressions. First, while I consider myself an environmentalist, I commonly found myself in agreement with Lawson on many points – particularly, in his call for reasoned discussion. I too am skeptical of Global Warming advocates who seek to stifle discussion and shout down descent. Second, his short remarks considering the quasi-religious function that apocalyptic movements such as global warming play in the belief practices of many contemporary Western atheists also warrant consideration. Overall, it is a quick widely read, worth a look for readers interested in the issue of global warming.