ABSTRACT
Although the media are finally beginning to pay attention to climate change, this epoch-defining issue never ranks among the top ten news stories. Indeed, global warming is not yet judged by most news editors to warrant as much attention as the foibles of errant starlets and heiresses. Worse, most climate stories focus on the terrifying consequences likely to occur some decades hence when two lines cross on a graph, or they recount ‘he said-she said’ posturing by national politicians, including some who could use a remedial junior high school science course. This all makes for good theater and perhaps helps to sell newspapers. However, it does not help awaken American consumers and voters to their civic responsibilities.
