Non-Fiction Pick of the Week: The Deniers

The Deniers by Lawrence Solomon 2008

The theme of this fascinating book can be found in its subtitle: "The world-renowned scientists who stood up against global warming hysteria, political persecution and fraud*. (*And those who are too fearful to do so)."

Solomon has found and describes many, reputable scientists who are questioning the soundness of the science that is being used to support the idea that humans are causing the climate to change or that this change will be harmful. One scientist attributes the warming to an increase in the sun's intensity. Other "deniers" link climate change to sun spot activity or believe that we are gradually emerging from a "little ice age" and will shortly enter a new one. This book demonstrates that there is a lively debate among the various sciences that underlie the study of climate.

Although he doesn't attempt to resolve anything, Solomon does raise many questions, giving the science that contradicts the alarming headlines and 30 second news-clips that inundate us. What makes the book persuasive is that Solomon is an environmentalist and energy activist. His Energy Probe Research Foundation works to stop environmentally destructive projects around the world.