Associated Press Stops Calling Those Who Deny Climate Change ‘Deniers’

The people who loved the word “deniers” will probably lean towards using “those who reject mainstream climate science”. Still, in discouraging use of “denier” as well, the editors noted that “denier” has its own problems. You can still be objective, the AP is saying, while noting those differences. However, the agency also sought to address complaints from those who deny mankind is having a significant impact on the climate criticising the description of them as “climate change deniers“. Still, Lindsay expressed relief that politicians, think tanks, and activists at odds with climate science-he cited Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), who has repeatedly called manmade climate change a hoax-will find it tougher to take on the “skeptic” mantle.

Meanwhile, some traditionally associated with the “skeptic” or “denier” side are claiming victory.

The term “doubters” at least retains the primary advantage of “skeptics“, namely that one can and should be able to quarrel with individual elements of the warmists’ theories and findings without getting labeled a “denier” – or being recommended for RICO prosecutions. He said AP science writer Seth Borenstein was among those who provided guidance on the change.

The AP has adopted new guidelines that instruct its reporters to stop calling those who reject the reality of global warming “deniers” or “skeptics”.

Associated Press (AP) this week updated its Stylebook entry on global warming to request journalists use “climate change doubters” or “those who reject mainstream climate science” to describe the movement that is critical of the mainstream scientific community’s stance on climate change. “It basically seems to boil down to that it hurts some climate science deniers” feelings”.

Ronald Lindsay, CEO of the Center for Inquiry, which has offices in Washington, D.C., and Amherst, New York, agrees that “doubter” isn’t a great substitute for “skeptic” or “denier”.

The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry has been pushing the media business to ban the word “skeptics” when referring to those who reject the scientific basis of warming. “The AP’s journalism is read throughout the world, and heavily influences the public’s understanding of crucial issues such as climate change. The general public, we fear, will still not get a clear picture of which public figures are basing their positions on reality, and which are not”.