Climate Change Links, 2-5-11

The percentage of Americans who believe global warming is already occurring dropped from 61% to 50% between 2008 and 2010.  The partisan divide also widened with conservatives who state this believe dropping from 50% to 30% while 72% of liberals in 2008 and 74% in 2010 agree.

The new chair of the House subcommittee on Environment and Economy, John Shimkus, is one conservative who is skeptical of global warming. Back in November, he told Politicothat God would protect the Earth from global warming:"I do believe in the Bible as the final word of God, And I do believe that God said the Earth would not be destroyed by a flood," he said. What does this mean for policy in the next two years?

"Really, the focus is not going to be climate," said Shimkus.  "The climate debate has, at least for two years, has ended with this election. The real focus is on energy security."

Meanwhile, the climate data for 2010 is out, and it has tied 2005 as the warmest year on record. This could be one reason that only 6% of scientists self-identify as Republicans(versus 55% who self-identify as Democrats)according to a recent poll.

A post at The Economists floats three hypotheses that would explain these numbers:

1.) Scientists hate Republicans and discourage them from becoming scientists
2.) Republicans hate science and don't want to become scientists
3.) Training to become a scientist makes one more liberal

Also of note: The director of "Who Killed the Electric Car?" is releasing a new movie soon: Revenge of the Electric Car (click the link to watch the trailer).