When “The Day After Tomorrow,” a $125 million film about an instant ice age brought about by global warming, hits the theaters May 28 and the city editor wants a reaction story, don’t bother to call climate and environmental scientists at NASA.
“No one from NASA is to do interviews or otherwise comment on anything having to do with” the film, said an “Urgent: HQ Direction” sent out April 1 by the top press officer at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. “Any news media wanting to discuss science fiction vs. science fact about climate change will need to seek comment from individuals not associated with NASA.”
“It’s just another attempt to play down anything that might lead to the conclusion that something must be done” about global warming, said one federal climate scientist who wasn’t quoted by name because he is under standing orders not to talk to the press, the New York Times reported.
Read the Times’ story here.
Although NASA appeared to back down late last week when a spokesman said some experts would be made available if they are asked, you might want to dust off some sources from ProfNet, the Union of Concerned Scientists and other agencies before the premier.