< Back to Volume 19, Number 2

Volume 19: Number 2: Article 5

---

Global Warming, the Politization of Science, and Michael Crichton's State of Fear

David Deming, College of Geoscience, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019

Michael Crichton's book State of Fear addresses the politicization of science, in particular the topics of climate change and global warming, through the vehicle of a novel. In the author's opinion, Crichton is correct: the field of climate research has become highly politicized. An example is provided by revisionist efforts of some researchers to extinguish the existence of a Medieval Warm Period. The politicization of science is a threat to the process of free inquiry necessary for human progress.

Keywords: global warming, temperature, Crichton, climate, Medieval Warm Period

To purchase back issues contact Allen Marketing & Management: 1-800-627-0629