My news editor wrote a great column (filling in for me) about the politicization of science and Climate Crisis Action Day last issue that I meant to link but never got to it:
As a science columnist, I would guess that I would be ignoring a pretty specific requirement of the Voltage Gate without addressing the scientific implications involved. Climate change is a scientific issue, one that will require the collective knowledge and drive of many of the world's best. However, the lines between science, politics and culture are becoming increasingly blurred. The overwhelming dedication to unbiased, empirical research and pursuit of knowledge has been twisted somewhat to encompass political agendas and fashionable ideas, as well as religious and philosophical dilemmas. Scientists have become rock stars in their own right, pressured by the community around them for flash, not substance. Global warming isn't going to be fixed by a flashy magazine cover, nor a drab journal article. We are going to pull ourselves from the sins of our fathers, and sons, by the merit of our actions, not our words.