"Skepticism is invaluable to the scientific method. But an honest skeptic can be persuaded by facts. These deniers are largely impervious to facts — at least facts that contradict their worldview."

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Notes: This is an important distinction to make.   Skepticism is essential to the scientific method.   Skeptics refuse to accept any proposition, without seeing all the evidence.   In contrast, deniers cling to pre-determined positions regardless of the evidence.   

In this respect, climate denial is similar to other forms of psychological denial.  The Behavioral Medicine Associates website notes:

"The foundations of true denial rest solidly upon a profoundly misconceived and yet firmly and unshakably believed private version of reality that is relatively or absolutely immune to outside influence."

Climate denial is a subset of science denial, which has a long history dating to ancient times.   There is a growing literature on science denial (vaccine safety, GMOs, ozone depletion, second-hand smoke, etc.), which is found on both sides of the political spectrum

FOr a more in-depth look at the psychological phenomena of denial as it applies to climate science, see Climate Change Denial, Hayden & Cook, 2011.

Bite Source: Mark Hertsgaard, in Politico