The Skeptical Environmentalist
2001 book by Bjørn Lomborg / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the Real State of the World (Danish: Verdens sande tilstand, lit. 'The True State of the World') is a book by Danish author and statistician Bjørn Lomborg which focuses on the author's view of environmental economics and issues. It was first published in Danish in 1998 by Centrum, and in English by Cambridge University Press in 2001.
Author | Bjørn Lomborg |
---|---|
Original title | Verdens sande tilstand |
Translator | Hugh Matthews |
Language | English Danish |
Subject | Environmental economics and issues Natural resources |
Genre | Non-fiction |
Publisher | Centrum, Cambridge University Press |
Publication date | 22 September 1998 (Danish) |
Published in English | 30 August 2001 |
ISBN | 0-521-01068-3 |
OCLC | 45618321 |
363.7 21 | |
LC Class | GE149 .L65 2001 |
Followed by | Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global Warming |
Lomborg sets out a "litany" of what he considers overly pessimistic claims and policies about environmental issues and their impact on human prosperity, and challenges them using cost–benefit analysis. In the book, he argues that concerns over pollution, environmental degradation, decline in natural resources, and climate change are overstated, while outlining his views of policy responses like the Kyoto Protocol remain insufficient and cause more harm than good. He wrote that the focus being channelled to poverty reduction and combatting diseases.
The book generated great controversy and negative reviews upon its release.[1] Lomborg's assertions were criticised by scientists and groups both in Denmark and internationally. Positive reception in some popular media outlets contrasted sharply with this, and thus combined with the ensuing debate aided the book's profile.[1][2]
The author was formally investigated by the Danish Committees on Scientific Dishonesty (UVVU) for scientific dishonesty, which confirmed the accusation and lack of expertise in relevant fields by the author. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Denmark later criticised procedural aspects of this investigation, but the Committee decided not to reinvestigate on the basis that it would come to the same conclusion. However, The Skeptical Environment established Lomborg's profile as an opponent of the scientific consensus on climate change. It was followed by Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global Warming (2007).