If you’re a policymaker in the modern world, you’re required to make frequent decisions on complex problems “outside your primary area of expertise”. And to do so, you must consult with experts in that field, do some extra homework and come to a reasonable position. What if policymakers said they couldn’t take action to maintain highways, bridges and tunnels because they’re not civil engineers? Should senators and congressmen avoid having a farm policy if they’re not farmers, or a policy to deal with Isis if they’re not generals? “No one would say these things, because they’re ridiculous.” (adapted from an article in Slate.com).

On climate change, 97% of climate scientists agree that it’s man-made and is an existential threat that demands a grown-up policy. But the response of many politicians “I’m not a scientist” to excuse an ignorant, cowardly cop-out that is used, not only for global warming, but for evolution and fracking as well. What he’s really saying is: “I’m not qualified to make decisions and I’m not going to waste my time doing any homework”. In which case how does he have the gall to stand for election?

On something as important as this how can intelligent people stand by and just hope the problem goes away?