The Sceptics Disease

For a short while I thought that global warming *sceptics* actually believed that their view was real - because they didn't know about the science.

I naively thought that exposure to the facts and evidence would quickly bring them around to the same point of view that all of us have moved to after the science is explained - when we "get it".

But after a few recent discussions with "sceptics" I have come to realise that they are actually a different breed. They won't acknowledge global warming because they have a weird agenda - one that is driven by an "anti-science + right-wing" view of the world.

Now I haven't studied this to the extent that it would earn me a new degree but I have formed some opinions about what constitutes a *sceptic*. Here is who I think they are.

* With few exceptions they are old white and male - few females are sceptics.

* Mostly they haven't been through the tertiary education sector - and don't value it.

* They all have a history and background of association with conservative parties and politicians.

* They have a very high opinion of their own ability - some might say they are arrogant.

* They have been exploiting the environment and young people their entire lives - they are old time capitalists.

* They dislike and distrust all intellectual processes and all Labor governments.

* Many of them have had a lifetime in small business - some have become big fish in small ponds.

* They feel as though the world has passed them by and they are no longer valued.

* They are angry because they are used to being valued - in a conservative world.

* Their scepticism is really their last rebellious act - as they try to remain relevant – with 20th century ideas in a 21st century world.

* They are dying off at an enormous rate - because they are all around or near 80 years of age.

* They are a very good argument for Julia's education revolution.