Neil deGrasse Tyson: US must ‘sink lower’ before Congress will opt to protect the planet

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/23/neil-degrasse-tyson-us-must-sink-lower-before-congress-will-opt-to-protect-the-planet/



Neil deGrasse Tyson: US must ‘sink lower’ before Congress will opt to protect the planet
By Tom Boggioni
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 11:12 EDT

In an exclusive interview with Salon, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson talked about his role as a scientist, how the media presents scientific breakthroughs, and about how climate change will have to get worse before citizens force their elected representatives to do anything about it.

Tyson explained that he doesn’t see himself as an advocate, but as an educator whose job it is to present “emergent scientific consensus,” in the hope that the public and policy makers will use it to make informed decisions.

“I’m just trying to get people as fully informed as they can be so that they can make the most informed decisions they can based on their own principles or philosophies or mission statement,” Tyson explained. ” What concerns me is that I see people making decisions, particularly decisions that might affect policy or governance, that are partly informed, or misinformed, or under-informed.”

~snip~

“So I think maybe we have to sink lower before the pistons of Congress and the electorate align to take meaningful action, to protect the planet going forward. And this idea about being too late, well that’s defeatist of course. That’s saying, ‘Well, okay, we don’t know what to do so therefore let’s do nothing.’ ”

[tecelote]

1. Congress can sink lower?

All kidding aside. Neil deGrasse Tyson is a modern day hero to me.

We really need science to be a priority now and he is doing a great job of getting young people excited and involved. He doesn't shy away from political discourse and can hold his own against political or religious zealots.

Respect.

[Enthusiast]

2. Yes, Neil, we're going to have to sink clear off the charts

as long as corporate interests determine every legislation outcome.

Maybe we can change that trajectory, but not as long as radical far right Republicans and Third Way Democrats remain in office.

[Triana]

3. America will need 3 feet of water in their living rooms and to run out of beer

before they'll grok a clue re: climate change. America mostly never does anything until it's too late.

[cantbeserious]

4. Americans Will Need Scuba Gear Before Any Action Will Occur

eom

[alterfurz]

5. "We'll keep doing what we do until we can't...

...and then we won't." -- James Kunstler