Reply to comment

Making policy is an inherently political process, and that should be based on the best science possible. We need to start with the IPCC consensus view, but also consider scenarios such as the dynamic melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. As long as Gingrich is not distorting the science, we need to pay attention to his suggestions for achieving responsible and effective public policy. Of course, I will consider his motivations in evaluating his suggestions, but I won't dismiss them out of hand. In other words, I'm willing to allow for good suggestions that arise from less than noble motivations. If it takes Gingrich's speaking out for people to listen to Gore's message on the risks we are taking with our one and only planet, I'm all for it! Fred Bortz -- Science and technology books for young readers (www.fredbortz.com) and Science book reviews (www.scienceshelf.com)