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Occam's razor, the principle that the simplest explanation is often the best one, is not always accurate. The natural world is complex, and assuming that the simplest explanation is closest to the truth may not be valid. Occam's razor is based on the idea that we should not invoke entities or causes without evidence, but sometimes more complex explanations are necessary. For example, the existence of dark matter and the nature of light are explained by more complex models. In human affairs, things are often complex, and human motivations can be multiple. Occam's razor can be seen as a failure of imagination, and our explanations should match the complexity of the world. [Extracted from the article]

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, is an underground storage facility designed to protect seeds in the event of a global crisis. It aims to ensure that food crop varieties are not lost due to war, terrorism, or climate change. However, the vault's reliance on climate-adaptation thinking is flawed. The recent flood caused by climate change and the potential biological lag of the stored seeds raise doubts about the vault's effectiveness. Additionally, the high cost, carbon footprint, and uncertainty of retrieving and distributing the seeds in a timely manner question the value of the vault as a conservation resource. The article suggests that preventing climate disaster should be prioritized over planning for its aftermath. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of scientists being able to admit when they are wrong and change their views in the face of new evidence. It uses the example of Alfred Wegener and his theory of continental drift, which was initially rejected by many scientists but eventually became the foundation for the theory of plate tectonics. The article highlights the resistance to Wegener's theory at the Lamont Geological Laboratory, where the director Maurice Ewing opposed continental drift. However, other scientists, such as Xavier Le Pichon, were able to change their minds and contribute to the development of plate tectonics. The article emphasizes the value of being able to admit when one is wrong and the importance of being open to new evidence in scientific research. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Scientific American discusses the argument made by the fossil fuel industry that its products are essential, despite the climate damage they cause. It highlights the historical example of leaded gasoline, where industry leaders argued that lead was essential for the economy and progress, despite its known health risks. The article emphasizes the need to transition away from fossil fuels to address the existential threat of global climate change and create a safer future for the planet. [Extracted from the article]

Happy New Year! Here are 10 books I am looking forward to sharing this year. Spare by Prince Harry (Random House, Jan. 10): In a highly anticipated memoir, the Duke [...]

The article discusses the history of the fossil-fuel industry's denial of climate science and its recent shift to blaming consumers for the climate crisis. It highlights that scientists have been warning about the dangers of greenhouse gases for over half a century, but the industry has worked to deny both the science and its own history. The article also refutes the industry's claim that consumers are unwilling to pay for carbon reduction, citing that renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels in most places and polls show that most Americans are concerned about climate change and willing to take action. The article concludes by criticizing the industry's false solutions and continued exploration for more oil and gas. [Extracted from the article]

Naomi Oreskes criticizes current practices of carbon capture, arguing that they often contribute to climate change rather than combat it. However, she acknowledges the importance of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in redirecting our carbon trajectory and achieving a circular carbon economy. CCU involves converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into usable carbon for various products. While direct air capture is currently expensive, it offers a long-term solution, and utilizing captured carbon can reduce costs and create valuable products. Oreskes emphasizes the need for carbon capture as part of the solution to keep global temperatures below two degrees Celsius. However, she argues that taxpayer funds should be focused on proven methods like energy efficiency and renewables, while private-sector actors can invest in carbon capture initiatives. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the delayed ban on asbestos in the United States despite the known harms of the substance for over a century. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the ban, but it raises questions about why it took so long to implement. Scientific understanding of asbestos dangers dates back to 1898, and the link between asbestos and cancer was established in the 1960s. Many countries have already banned asbestos, but the U.S. only had partial and limited bans in place. Industry pushback and anti-regulatory attitudes played a role in delaying the ban, and efforts were made to discredit asbestos researchers. It wasn't until 2016 that the EPA regained some authority to implement the ban. The article emphasizes the need for a better process to translate scientific knowledge into policy and highlights the importance of occupational health and safety. [Extracted from the article]

IS ACADEME dominated by liberals? That's what we hear all the time on social media, in newspaper and magazine articles, and even in academe itself. Conservatives routinely call out higher [...]