In this information age, we must be very careful of what we read, "google", and listen to. Do you believe everything you read - guess it depends on the variety of your sources, and the expanse of your search criteria. Remember that what is most outrageous is often the most "hit" in our Internet age. So digging deeper is often required.
Case in point - Nuclear Power In Germany.
Several years ago, the German Green Party shared power, and they were able to institute a "phase-out" of nuclear power. Current administrations are evaluating whether that was the right decision, especially in light of the Kyoto Accord and whatever agreement will replace Kyoto in 2012. Interestingly enough, Germany has not identified how they would replace the power lost from nuclear power, and could even be in a position of having to import power from other countries.
A recent report that was available regarding the impacts of radiation, and attributed to the German Government, was "leaked" to the press. The following was sent out by Platts today:
--GERMANY's RADIATION PROTECTION COMMISSION WILL EVALUATE THE RESULTS of an epidemiological study showing a significant statistical correlation between cancer incidence in children and proximity to nuclear power plants, according to a statement released this weekend by Sigmar Gabriel, Germany's head regulator and federal minister of environment and reactor safety. The statistical evaluation was performed by scientists at the University of Mainz, on behalf of the Federal Radiation Protection Agency, BFS, using data from an established national cancer registry. Gabriel said he called on the German Radiation Protection Commission to evaluate the results of the study because the emissions levels from German reactors "would have to be 1,000 times higher" to explain the statistical correlation of cancer and proximity to the plants. Sources in the Radiation Protection Commission told Platts that the body,whichmet in Berlin late last week, was briefed in detail on the findings. On the weekend, they said, BFS leaked the report to selected German media.
2 comments:
As the saying goes, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. An extension of that is, "If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, then extensive-but-incomplete knowledge is a constant torment."
[2002 Washington Post 14 Jan. 09]
Bucko:
You bring up an important point regarding the quality of information and the pitfalls of sketchy research.
As a teacher, I am constantly reminded how much I don't know! To be or stay an expert in so many areas is getting more and more difficult. I may be well versed in a particular subject, but there is a constant flood of new information to be evaluated. Much of the information available may be valid, but some of it, especially on the Internet where anyone can post their opinion, may not be entirely (or even remotely) correct. I think we also tend to seek out information that supports our opinions or positions and disregard what "doesn't fit". It's convenient, but not always accurate. It’s easy to lose credibility if it becomes apparent that you didn’t really check your facts before putting them out there in any forum.
With that said, it’s perfectly okay to have and to share an opinion. It should just be clear that it is an opinion versus facts etched in stone.
Thanks for the opportunity to share some thoughts sparked by your blog.
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