Reality Check: How Science Deniers Threaten Our Future

Prothero (geology, emeritus, Occidental Coll.; Catastrophes! Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tornadoes, and Other Earth-Shattering Disasters) broaches a subject that impinges on his (and many other) scientific fields: science denial. The refusal to recognize the realities of science takes many forms, but the underlying modus is the manipulation of facts and statistics to "prove" that mainstream science is incorrect. In thematically arranged chapters, Prothero parries against climate deniers (such as U.S. Senator James Inofe of Oklahoma), antivaccination activists (such as actress Jenny McCarthy), proponents of intelligent design (such as members of the Discovery Institute), etc., calling out and responding to their individual claims against modern science. These figures, he makes clear, are a threat to modern society and to the progression of humans living in balance. Their allegiance to misguided beliefs, their misunderstanding of science and scientific processes, combined with their public stature, make them dangerous, as they have been shown to have convinced significant numbers of people to advocate against the science that makes life safer for all of us.