Pink Dragons Predicted in Shoreline

I’ve received numerous comments on my blogs about Climate Change but I wanted to reply to this comment Bob MacDonald made in a new blog post because it is about science in general. 

“You're asking me for a scientific basis to show that something [climate change]will NOT happen? That's not how science works, John. I have no scientific basis for my certainty that pink dragons will not lay siege to Shoreline...it's just a hunch. Science isn't in the business of proving negatives, and someone who relies on science should know that. The burden of proof lies with those who wish to prove a positive.” Bob MacDonald

My short answer is “why not”?  Here’s the long answer.

There was a meteor shower forecast for last weekend.  This is calculated on the “laws of motion” and knowing the position of the meteors relative to earth.  If someone claims that there will be no meteor shower it is not enough to just have that “belief”.  The burden of proof is on both the predictor and the “doubter” who has to show where the calculations made by the predictor are wrong.  Otherwise his “no meteor shower” claim is baseless.

Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of what separates ideas based on math and science from those based on opinion and beliefs makes people easy prey for charlatans and self-serving politicians.