



[Short thread.]



nyti.ms/2zmesuU Inspired by the new major report on climate change, and the questionable coverage of it in serious outlets, here's a few thoughts on how to talk about this important topic without misleading the public.[Short thread.]

First, the obvious yet important bit:



Climate change poses huge risjs. If we do the right thing, there's lots we can do to combat it. It's up to us to meet this important test.



(That's why I've often taught a whole seminar on The Politics of Climate Change at Harvard.)

Second, the not so obvious bit:



Scientists are usually very scrupolous about the language they use to describe climate change.



But in a noble attempt to drive the urgency of this challenge home to people, journalists can sometimes wind up misleading the public.