January 1997
Ehrlichs' Fables
The public hears fantastic tales that all is well with the environment and government regulations stifle economic growth. Two prominent environmental scientists argue that promoters of this "don't worry be happy" point of view have their heads in the sand
By Paul R. Ehrlich and Anne H. Ehrlich
When polled, 65 percent of U.S. citizens say they are willing to pay good money for better environmental protection, but at the same time most do not believe that environmental deterioration is a crucial issue in their own lives. This seeming contradiction may stem from the fact that it is difficult to recognize subtle and gradual environmental change. But it may also stem from another fact: that various sources, including conservative think tanks such as the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation, have been disseminating erroneous information regarding the true state of the environment. Adam Myerson, editor of the Heritage Foundation's Policy Review, pretty much summed up this viewpoint in the journal when he maintained that "leading scientists have done major work disputing the current henny-pennyism about global warming, acid rain, and other purported environmental catastrophes."
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