Global warming: Governance and justice

The manner in determining the severity of environmental problems is value-laden. The public need for action is tied to both objective, scientific facts, and the effectiveness of communicating those facts. The extent to which climate change is perceived to harm people and ecosystems is tied to the how facts are presented, and not simply the scientific assessment of risk and harm. There is also the problem of empathy. Those not directly harmed will likely consider the amount and type of correction need to relate to how closely they sense the harm, i.e., how similar their perceptions are to those who are indeed harmed.

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel Vallero Civil and Environmental Engineering