What's the Lowdown on Global Warming? And why is FUD so important?

While the vast majority of climatologists in the world agree that global warming is an extremely serious problem and is hugely exacerbated by human industrialization, large numbers of other scientists, mostly non-climatologists, deny that global warming is a problem or deny that humans are to blame. Scientists who warn us about potential future issues of global warming are careful to say that while they are highly confident in their forecasting models, they cannot be certain. On the other hand, deniers are totally certain that this is a hoax---especially radio talk show hosts. It is important to understand one aspect of this disagreement and it is called FUD. FUD was pioneered in America by Thomas Watson, Sr. the magnificently successful founder of International Business Machines.

Watson taught his salesmen that you can defeat any opponent by using Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. No matter how good your competitors' products, you can melt all of their credibility through FUD because after interjecting FUD, the customers will now doubt the competitors' claims or will fear that the products cannot be trusted and will appreciate your bringing the product disadvantages/inadequacies to their attention. Be 100% positive so that the customer will gladly pay more for IBM products to insure success and quality, said Mr. Watson.

If you search YouTube.com for, "global warming," you will find dozens---maybe hundreds---of videos attempting to debunk the seriousness of global warming. Virtually all of them are quite positive that the scientists are either after more research money, are just sophomoric or that the problem is beyond our ability to make positive changes. How can all of these people be so sure?

In 1988, according to a leaked memo, Exxon devised a plan to stall national action on global warming using FUD. The plan promised, Victory will be achieved when uncertainties in climate science become part of the conventional wisdom for average citizens and the media.

Mother Jones magazine writes that, in an effort to ward off action to reduce global warming, Exxon-Mobil has paid over $23 million to various organizations and writers to create a fake debate about the seriousness and impact of global warming. More than 40 organizations and individuals have been paid to confuse the public into thinking that the seriousness is not clear and that there is little impending danger. The Environmental Defense Fund lists some of the recipients. Exxon-Mobil claims that it has stopped the practice in Exxon Secrets.

See more at: Mother Jones
The video below describes Exxon-Mobil's campaign to use FUD. For some reason this video sometimes takes about 30-45 seconds to begin playing.

Video Length 9 min 22 sec

But Exxon is not the only organization attempting to block information about the seriousness of global warming. The Bush administration seemed to be just as intent on creating an aura of uncertainty as shown here.

Video Length 9 min