The author contrasts the findings of scientists about the slim prospects for the prevention of dramatic climate change with the reassuring reports in mainstream media. I do not read the NY Times often enough to know how they contribute to this disparity, but I have my suspicions.
In an article this week on the relentless rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, I outlined one of the canonical projections of climate science: if the amount of carbon dioxide doubles, the average surface temperature of the earth is likely to increase by 5 or 6 degrees Fahrenheit, a whopping change. I contrasted that with a prediction from skeptics of climate change who contend that the increase is likely to be less than 2 degrees.