If You Don't Like One Scientific Opinion, Perhaps You Can Buy a Better One

The consensus among scientists has been growing for years: global warming is real. There are still legitimate scientists who are global warming skeptics but there may also be a lucrative market for scientists who tell a story the power companies would like to hear; ABC News has the story:

Ever wonder why so many people still seem confused about global warming?

The answer appears to be that confusion leads to profit -- especially if you're in some parts of the energy business.

One Colorado electric cooperative has openly admitted that it has paid $100,000 to a university academic who prides himself on being a global warming skeptic.

Intermountain Rural Electric Association is heavily invested in power plants that burn coal, one of the chief sources of greenhouse gasses that scientists agree is quickly pushing earth's average temperature to dangerous levels.

Scientists and consumer advocates say the co-op is trying to confuse its clients about the virtually total scientific consensus on the causes of global warming.

Coal is going to be around for a long time. There's no reason to burn it so fast that we knock ourselves back into the dark ages by trying to hang on the horse and buggy age. It's time for our technology to move on and it's time that we start thinking about our children and grandchildren again.