Commentary: Gilding the global lily

摘要

When Lomborg's book was published in 2001, it caused an international sensation. At last, claimed assorted enthusiasts, here was a no-nonsense affirmation that we are all heading towards greater wealth, health, equality, and happiness in an environmentally improving world. The above article encapsulates the book in content and style. The author's tone, however, is a litde less overly confident, perhaps because of the extensive criticism of his book during the past 18 months. Nevertheless, in my view, his article repeats many of the shortcomings of his original treatise―a blend of naivety and ignorance.